The synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) through biogenic means utilizing the leaf extract of Mallotus philippinensis has emerged as a significant avenue for addressing the challenges posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This innovative method not only aligns with green chemistry principles but also showcases impressive antioxidant and antibacterial properties, potentially paving the way for enhanced biomedical applications.
Recent research published by authors affiliated with institutions including the University of Jammu delves deep within the fabrication and application of ZnO NPs. The study explores how the leaf extract of Mallotus philippinensis, known for its medicinal effects, serves as both the reducing and capping agent for ZnO NPs. The process employed two different chemical precursors, zinc acetate and zinc nitrate, making it possible to investigate the comparative efficacy of the resulting nanoparticles.
Mallotus philippinensis, also referred as Kamala, has historically been utilized for various therapeutic purposes due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds. Researchers harvested its leaves from Indora, Himachal Pradesh, India, adhering strictly to relevant national guidelines for collection and processing.
The study utilizes promising sustainable methods, aligning with the growing emphasis on producing environmentally friendly materials. "The synthesis of ZnO NPs using plant extracts is non-toxic, inexpensive, environmentally compatible, and simple," the authors highlight. This approach is particularly significant as conventional nanoparticle synthesis often involves hazardous chemicals, raising environmental and health concerns.
Characterization of the synthesized ZnO NPs utilized techniques such as UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The resulting crystals were shown to have average sizes of 21 nm and 28 nm, confirming the formation of crystalline ZnO with wurtzite hexagonal structures, as significant peaks were observed through XRD analysis.
Further examination of the antioxidant activities was performed using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging assay. The results indicated ZnO NPs synthesized with zinc nitrate demonstrated higher antioxidant potential with IC50 values of 65.31 µg/ml compared to 66.87 µg/ml observed for nanoparticles produced from zinc acetate. These findings support the notion of plant-based nanoparticles contributing to health benefits through their antioxidant properties.
When it came to assessing the antibacterial properties of the synthesized ZnO NPs, significant activity was observed against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Notably, the study reported maximum antibacterial efficacy against Streptococcus pneumoniae, asserting the role of these nanoparticles as viable alternatives to traditional antibiotics. The remarkable zone of inhibition for this bacterium reached up to 14.97 mm.
These findings suggest—emphasizing the dual functionality of the biosynthesized nanoparticles—how M. philippinensis leaf extract can facilitate advanced nanomaterial applications. The research indicates considerable promise for utilizing ZnO NPs within various medical sectors, including therapeutics where both antioxidant and antimicrobial activities are desired.
Concluding the research, the authors reflect on the necessity of continued exploration within this domain, underscoring the importance of biogenic NPs for sustainable medicine. The research presents compelling evidence highlighting their potential applications, creating pathways for innovative solutions to combat oxidative stress and infectious diseases.
The synthesis of nanoparticles synthesized from M. philippinensis leaf extract proves to be not only efficient and effective but also support the imperative transition toward greener methodologies within nanotechnology. The importance of such studies cannot be overstated, as the demand for novel, bio-based treatments continues to grow amid the public health challenges posed by antibiotic resistance and environmental degradation.