Synthesis, characterization and biological investigation of zinc nanoparticles using Acacia modesta Wall. leaves

Pak J Pharm Sci. 2023 May;36(3(Special)):981-987.

Abstract

The study aimed to synthesize zinc nanoparticles (Zn-NPs) using an aqueous extract derived from Acacia modesta Wall. leaves. Several characterization techniques were employed to confirm the successful formation of zinc nanoparticles. UV-visible spectrophotometry indicated a peak at 374 nm, validating the bioreduction process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to analyze the morphology, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to determine particle size and shape, X-ray diffraction (XRD) for crystalline structure analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) for elemental composition and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify functional groups. The synthesized Zn-NPs demonstrated remarkable antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (95% inhibition) and moderate antifungal activity against Candida albicans (70% inhibition). In phytotoxicity tests, the Zn-NPs exhibited a 55% reduction in the growth of Lamina minor at the highest dilution (1000 µl). Based on these findings, the study concluded that the green-synthesized Zn-NPs hold great potential as effective antibiotics against pathogenic bacteria and could be utilized in various industrial and agricultural applications.

MeSH terms

  • Acacia*
  • Agriculture
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Escherichia coli
  • Fabaceae*
  • Metal Nanoparticles*
  • Zinc

Substances

  • Zinc
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents