Eco-friendly protection of pine wood using copper nanoparticles biosynthesized from Cleistocalyx operculatus leaf extracts

Tram  Tran Thi Bao; Tu Thi Anh  Le

doi:10.22320/s0718221x/2026.06

Authors

Tram Tran Thi Bao Yersin University of Da Lat. Department of Applied Technology. Lam Vien - Dalat, Lamdong, Vietnam. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8389-5734
Tu Thi Anh Le Da Lat University. Biology Department. Lam Vien - Dalat, Lamdong, Vietnam. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5677-533X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22320/s0718221x/2026.06

Keywords:

Biosynthesis, copper nanoparticles, Pinus kesiya, termites resistance, wood-decaying fungi, wood preservation

Abstract

This research investigates the eco-friendly biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) from Cleistocalyx operculatus (water banyan) leaf extracts for the sustainable preservation of pine wood Pinus kesiya (khasi pine). The study specifically targets protection against common wood-decaying fungi, including Aspergillus flavus ATCC 9643, Fusarium oxysporum ATCC 48112, and Penicillium citrinum ATCC 9849, as well as termites. CuNPs were synthesized under optimized conditions: 80 °C for 30 minutes using a rotary evaporator, at pH 11, with 20 mM copper sulfate, and a 1.5:1 plant extract to precursor ratio. Comprehensive characterization using UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed a prominent absorption peak at 595 nm. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy further validated their spherical morphology, high crystallinity, and an average size of 2 ± 1 nm. Wood durability was evaluated through laboratory tests of fungal and termite resistance To assess the effects of different CuNPs treatments on fungal resistance and termite resistance, a one-way ANOVA was employed. Significant differences were found among the treatment groups (P<0,05). Duncan's multiple range test was performed using SPSS Statistics version 26, with statistical significance set at α = 0,05. The findings demonstrated a clear concentration-dependent efficacy of CuNPs. Treated wood samples exhibited significantly enhanced fungal and termite resistance, displaying notably reduced weight loss (approximately 10-15 %) compared to untreated controls (20-30 %). Furthermore, even at the lowest tested dosage, a substantial termite mortality rate of 43,17 % was observed, highlighting the potent bioactivity of the biosynthesized CuNPs. These results support the potential of Cleistocalyx operculatus-mediated CuNPs as an environmentally sustainable substitute for conventional, often harmful, wood preservatives. This green approach offers a sustainable alternative for wood protection and shows promise for broader applications of eco-friendly nanomaterials.

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Author Biographies

Tram Tran Thi Bao , Yersin University of Da Lat. Department of Applied Technology. Lam Vien - Dalat, Lamdong, Vietnam.

Biography

Tu Thi Anh Le, Da Lat University. Biology Department. Lam Vien - Dalat, Lamdong, Vietnam.

Biography

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