In this study, Cu-Sn oxides nanoparticles (CSO NPs) were synthesized via explosion of Sn-coated Cu wires in aqueous solution with and without surfactants. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM and HRTEM techniques. In vitro cytotoxicity of NPs against L929 cell lines was observed. Potential antibacterial activity of CSO NPs against Grampositive and Gram-negative bacteria was explored. TEM microstructural observations depicted the core-shell structure of plate-like CSO NPs synthesized in water. TEM and FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of PEG and L-cysteine at the surface of NPs prepared in surfactants. Accurate microstructural analysis of these NPs verified the positive effects of adding surfactants on the refinement of CSO NPs as well as changing its morphology. In vitro test showed that small amount of NPs (less than 80 mu g/ml) have no cytotoxicity effect. Moreover, results showed that the Cu-Sn oxides nanoparticles synthesized in the surfactant agents presented a great antibacterial properties due to lower size of NPs, higher oxide concentrations as well as existence of polymer on the surface that could induce the ROS mechanism for attacking more bacteria. Synthesizing in presence of PEG showed more efficient antibacterial activity than L-cysteine because of combined effect of CuO and attachment of PEG to the surface of NPs. (C) 2020 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.