Antibacterial Activity of synthesized Copper Oxide Nanoparticles using Malva sylvestris Leaf Extract Awwad, A.M. 1 , Albiss, B.A 2 , Salem N.M. 3 1 Royal Scientific Society, El Hassan Science City, Amman, Jordan. 2 Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan 3 Faculty of Agriculture, the Jordan University, Amman, Jordan Corresponding author A. M. Awwad E.mail : akl.awwad@yahoo.com Tel: +962 6 5344 701. Fax: +962 6 5344 806 Manuscript received : 07.10.2014 Manuscript accepted: 17.11.2014 Abstract The use of plant leaves extract in the biosynthesis of nanostructured materials can be eco-friendly, non-toxic and cost effective approach. In this paper, we report a facile and green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using Malva sylvestris leaf extract. The biosynthesized copper oxide nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-vis spectroscopy. The particles are crystalline in nature with average size 14 nm. The morphology of the copper oxide nanoparticles can be controlled by tuning the amount of Malva sylvestris leaf extract and copper ions. The synthesized CuONPs are highly stable and have significant effect on both Gram- positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Keywords: Antibacterial activity, Copper oxide nanoparticles, Malva sylvestris leaf extract. 91