Phytochemical mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles from Euphorbia antiquorum: Synthesis, characterization & antibacterial activity

The plant extract of Euphorbia antiquorum was utilized to perform a green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The phytochemical components of the nanoparticles were subsequently examined. The ZnO NPs produced through biosynthesis were analyzed using several spectroscopic methods. The plant extract revealed the existence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, gums, and mucilages, which played a role in the production of ZnO NPs by decreasing metal ions and ensuring the stability of the process. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the unique spectra associated with ZnO NPs at a wavenumber of 455.20 cm −1 . The nanoparticles were observed to have a nanoflake structure by analysis with the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM). The average size of the crystallites was determined to be 37 nm using X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. The Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) spectra of ZnO NPs confirmed the nanoparticles production with very few impurities. The antibacterial efficacy of the synthesized NPs was assessed by determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bacterial Concentration (MBC) against E. coli, Pseudomonas sp ., Vibrio sp ., and Bacillus sp. The presence of phytochemicals and the activity against microorganisms evidenced the importance of NPs to prevent infection, promote wound healing and to treat diseases. This study determines that ZnO NPs possess substantial antibacterial properties against diverse aquatic pathogens, presenting them as a viable substitute for conventional antibiotics.