# Biocompatible Hyaluronic Acid-Stabilized Copper Nanoparticles for the Selective Oxidation of Morin Dye by H2O2

## TL;DR

Researchers developed biocompatible copper nanoparticles that can selectively oxidize dyes like morin, with potential applications in eco-friendly bleaching and wastewater treatment.

## Contribution

The novel synthesis of hyaluronic acid-stabilized copper nanoparticles with high catalytic activity and biocompatibility for selective oxidation.

## Key findings

- HA-CuNPs showed an average particle size of 35 nm and surface zeta potential of −28 mV.
- The oxidation of morin followed a pseudo-first-order reaction and was selective for four synthetic dyes.
- HA-CuNPs exhibited low toxicity and high biocompatibility with human and cancer cells.

## Abstract

In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization
of
biocompatible hyaluronic acid-stabilized copper nanoparticles (HA-CuNPs)
and their catalytic evaluation in the oxidation of morin as a model
compound. HA-CuNPs have been characterized by several state-of-the-art
analytical techniques, such as FESEM, STEM, UV–Vis, DLS, zeta
potential, FTIR and XRD analyses. The average particle size and surface
zeta potential of HA-CuNPs were determined to be 35 nm and −28
mV, respectively. The catalytic activity of HA-CuNPs was investigated
in the oxidative degradation of morin dye in the presence of H2O2. The kinetic data show that the oxidation process
follows a pseudo-first-order reaction, and the rate constant is dependent
on the concentrations of morin, H2O2, and HA-CuNPs.
In addition, HA-CuNPs were employed for the selective oxidation of
morin on four important synthetic dyes, i.e., Congo red, methylene
blue, zinc-phthalocyanine, and quinizarin. The high selectivity indicates
the possible use of HA-CuNPs as low-temperature bleach catalysts for
the oxidation of stains such as tea, coffee, and red wine, which contain
polyphenolic compounds like morin. Further, cytotoxicity studies demonstrated
the low toxicity and high biocompatibility of HA-CuNPs to Caco-2 human
colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, MCF-7 human breast cancer cells,
and HUVEC normal human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Combining
biocompatibility with high catalytic activity could boost the potential
of this eco-friendly nanocatalyst in various applications, such as
wastewater treatment, laundry, textile, and wood pulp bleaching.