The biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Synadenium grantii latex: characterization and evaluation of their antimicrobial activities

Abstract

The steadily rising incidences of microbial and infectious diseases pose a direct threat to both human and animal sustainability. Over the previous 20 years, the expectations for eco-friendly nanoparticles application as contemporary medicinal agents have grown. This is why, as opposed to using hazardous chemicals, researchers have recently concentrated on simple, green, sustainable, and affordable ways to create nanoparticles. This research aimed to use the latex of Synadenium grantii to synthesize ZnO NPs (zinc oxide nanoparticles) using a simple and environmentally friendly technique. The observation of the maximum wavelength at 365 nm using Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrometry signified the formation of zinc oxide nanoparticles. The FT-IR (Fourier transform-infrared) spectrometry indicated the bands of various biomolecules (mainly polyphenols at 1541 cm-1 wavenumber) involved in reducing and capping zinc oxide nanoparticles. The XRD spectrum demonstrated the wurtzite phases of ZnO nanoparticles of 24 nm in size. The synthesized ZnO NPs demonstrated great anti-microbial potency compared to the positive control (ampicillin) as tested on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The study confirmed the presence of various chemical compounds in latex of Synadenium grantii responsible for the synthesis of ZnO NPs with enhanced anti-bacterial effects in comparison to the latex extract.