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Background: Biological route for synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) with therapeutic potential is a major challenge. In this study, CuNPs were synthesized by D. bulbifera tuber extract (DBTE) which were further evaluated for antidiabetic and free radical scavenging activity.

Methods: CuNPs synthesized by DBTE were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. CuNPs were checked for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition along with interaction studies employing fluroscence spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy and computational docking. DPPH, nitric oxide and superoxide radical scavenging activities of CuNPs were also checked.

Results: Spherical monodispersed CuNPs were synthesized within 5 h that was indicated by a colour change from pale blue to brown. Majority of the nanoparticles synthesized were found to be between 12 to 16 nm as showed in DLS which grew till a final size of 86 to 126 nm as indicated in TEM. Bioreduced CuNPs showed 38.70±1.45% and 34.72±1.22% inhibition against porcine and murine pancreatic amylase, respectively with an uncompetitive mode that was further confirmed by docking studies. Fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed the interaction of CuNPs to the enzyme via Trp residues while CD spectra indicated the structural and conformational changes on binding of CuNPs to the enzyme. CuNPs exhibited 99.09±0.15% inhibition against α-glucosidase while 90.67±0.33% inhibition against murine intestinal glucosidase, respectively. CuNPs showed 40.81±1.44%, 79.06±1.02% and 48.39±1 …