BIOLOGICAL SYNTHESIS OF BIOMEDICAL EVALUATION OF COPPER AND MAGNESIUM NANOPARTICLES USING ENTEROCOCCUS GALLINARIUM FOR ANTIMICROBIAL AND WOUND HEALING APPLICATIONS

Abstract

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms and the prevalence of chronic wounds have intensified the search for alternative therapeutic strategies. This study investigated the biological synthesis of copper and magnesium nanoparticles using Enterococcus gallinarum and evaluated their antimicrobial and wound-healing potentials. Bacterial extracts were incubated with copper (II) nitrate and magnesium chloride solutions, resulting in visible color changes indicative of nanoparticle formation. Characterization using UV–Visible spectroscopy revealed surface plasmon resonance peaks at 420 nm for copper nanoparticles and 360 nm for magnesium nanoparticles, confirming successful synthesis. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis identified functional groups such as O–H, C–H, C=O, and C–N, which likely acted as reducing and stabilizing agents. The antimicrobial activity of the nanoparticles was assessed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans using the agar well diffusion method. Copper nanoparticles demonstrated higher inhibition zones compared to magnesium nanoparticles, while the combined formulation exhibited the greatest antimicrobial effect. Wound-healing potential was evaluated in adult mice, with measurements taken over 14 days. Results showed accelerated wound contraction in nanoparticle-treated groups, with combined copper and magnesium nanoparticles achieving 98% wound closure by day 14, surpassing individual treatments and controls. These findings highlight the effectiveness of biologically synthesized copper and magnesium nanoparticles in inhibiting microbial growth and promoting tissue regeneration. The study supports the potential application of such nanoparticles as safe, biocompatible alternatives for managing infections and enhancing wound repair.