Harnessing Ficus exasperata Leaf Extract for Sustainable Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles with Antimicrobial Activity

Magnesium (Mg) plays a crucial role as a plant nutrient, supporting vital functions such as growth, metabolism, enzyme regulation, and other physiological processes. In the present study, leaf extract from the Ficus exasperata plant was utilized to synthesize magnesium nanoparticles (MgNPs). The antioxidant properties and potential for enhancing the growth of Cicer arietinum (Bengal gram) plants were evaluated. The stability and morphology of the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized through several techniques, including FTIR, TEM, XRD, and DLS. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements were carried out using a Rigaku Ultima III analyzer, with a 2θ scan range from 10° to 80°. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the MgNPs were approximately 25 nm in size. This study proposes the use of magnesium nanoparticles as a Nano-fertilizer, which significantly boosts the growth and yield of Cicer arietinum plants in an environmentally friendly manner. The biogenic approach to synthesizing these nanoparticles using plant extracts offers an eco-sustainable method for nutrient delivery in agriculture, advancing green technologies in farming practices.