Synthesis of Ag doped ZnO nanoparticles using Datura metel L. leaf extract and their prospect for novel application to enhance shelf life of selected fruits and vegetables

This work presents a unique method for synthesizing silver (Ag) doped zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs using Datura metel L. leaf extract as capping and reducing agents. The formation of Ag doped ZnO NPs was validated by XRD, EDAX, TEM and HRTEM analysis. FESEM was used to analyze the morphology of the Ag doped ZnO NPs and FTIR was utilized to detect the different functional groups contained in the extract of Datura metel L. leaf. The Ag doped ZnO NPs showed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria isolated from spoiled fruits and vegetables. The antimicrobial susceptibility of Ag doped ZnO NPs against the isolates were in correlation to the standard antibiotics. Therefore, this green synthesized Ag doped ZnO NPs can be utilized as antibiotic substitutes to prevent microbial contamination of fruits and vegetables and extend their shelf life