SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS OF GREEN SYNTHESIZED IRON OXIDE NANOSTRUCTURES USING ZINGIBER OFFICINALE

Nanotechnology plays a vital role in the field of science. It acts as a bridge between bulk material and atomic level. Nanораrtiсles (NPs) are defined as mаteriаls with a size range from 1 to 100 nm. Nanostructures can be synthesized by three methods which include chemical, biological, and physical approaches. In chemical methods chemicals and solvents are harmful and poisonous to the biosystem and environment. However, in the biosynthesis method, the use of living organisms is involved. Plant extracts and microbes act as biological agents in the biosynthesis method. Comparatively biosynthesis method is preferable method the rest of the two approaches because of its non-toxicity, eco-friendliness, high stability, and reproducibility. Green synthesis is a bottom-up process that is similar to chemical reduction. However, in green synthesis, a natural product extracts an expensive chemical that works as a reducing agent in the manufacture of metal and its oxide nanostructures. Biomolecules (such carbohydrates, proteins, and coenzyme) found in plants have the exceptional ability to convert salts of metal into nanostructures. In the present study, Zingiber officinale was used to prepare iron oxide nanoparticles because of its polyphenols, which have significant antioxidant activity and other therapeutic characteristics. Phytochemically Z. officinale possesses steroids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, tannins, amino acids, carbohydrates, proteins, triterpenoids, and saponins. Iron nanostructures prepared from Z. officinale have enhanced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.