Green synthesis of Nickel-doped zinc oxide using Pineapple (Ananas comosus) leaf extract and Evaluation of their antimicrobial activity

This study explores green synthesis as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method employing selective plant extracts as catalysts for nanoparticle formation. Ananas comosus, a tropical plant rich in essential nutrients and known for its non-toxic, antioxidant and potentially anticancer properties, was utilized for the synthesis of zinc oxide and nickel-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles. Characterization techniques including UV-Vis spectrometry, X-Ray diffraction and Scanning electron microscopy were employed to analyze the optical, structural and morphological properties of the nanoparticles. Results showed a reduction in the optical band gap of Ni-ZnO compared to pure ZnO, possibly due to absorption of photons by nickel dopant ions in the ZnO lattice. XRD analysis revealed a hexagonal Wurtzite structure with predominant diffraction peaks in the (1 0 1) plane and SEM-EDX confirmed the purity and irregular nanosized shapes (ranging from 21 to 60 nm) of the nanoparticles. Antimicrobial testing using the agar well diffusion method demonstrated promising antimicrobial activity, suggesting potential applications of these nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents in pharmaceutical industries. Overall, this study underscores the feasibility and potential benefits of utilizing Ananas comosus leaf extracts in green synthesis for nanoparticle production with valuable properties for various industrial and medical applications.