Metal nanoparticles have been intensely researched and developed in recent years due to their superior properties. There is a growing interest in economical and environmentally friendly techniques. Cu metal is preferred in research studies due to its cheapness and effects on human health (such as production of blood cells, oxidation and reduction).
In recent years, the use of plant extracts in nanoparticle synthesis has become quite popular. In this study, we aimed to investigate the antioxidant capacity and protective properties of Cu nanoparticles obtained by using Diplotaenia turcica plant against damage to pBR322 plasmid DNA. In addition, we investigated the antimicrobial effect of Cu nanoparticles against Staphylococcus aureus ATTC 29213, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876, Escherichia coli ATCC 25952, Candida albicans ATCC 25952. Diplotaenia turcica plant characterization with Cu metal (Cu NPs/Dt) ultraviolet and visible light absorption spectroscopy (UV-vis), fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. When looking at the antioxidant activity analysis, it is understood that it is a powerful antioxidant. It was determined that Cu NPs/Dt have significant antimicrobial activity. Its effect against some pathogens was found to be stronger than the positive control antibiotic. It was determined by the obtained DNA images that there is a potential to prevent breaks that may occur in DNA depending on the concentration.