Green-synthesis of iron nanoparticles using wild cherry laurel ( <i>Prunus laurocerasus</i> L.) fruit extract and their patulin and HMF adsorption capacities along with biological activities

In this study, iron nanoparticles (YBFeNPs) were green-synthesized using the aqueous extract (YB-E) of wild cherry laurel (<i>Prunus laurocerasus</i> L.) fruit to evaluate their potential applications in food safety. The synthesized YBFeNPs were investigated through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses. YBFeNPs showed higher total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and total antioxidant capacity compared to the original extract, suggesting that plant metabolites enhance NP bioactivity. Antioxidant capacity was further validated by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, which demonstrated strong radical scavenging and reducing power. The antibacterial activity of YBFeNPs was assessed against <i>Escherichia coli</i>, <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, and <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i>, revealing concentration-dependent effects with the highest inhibition zone of 14.5 ± 0.4 mm for <i>E. coli</i>. The chemical composition of the YB-E extract was analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, identifying quinic acid, a polyol, and phenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acid (1.45 mg/g) and naringenin (0.02 mg/g). Additionally, the adsorption capacities of YBFeNPs were investigated against patulin and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), toxic compounds posing significant threats to food safety. The NPs demonstrated effective adsorption of both patulin and HMF, achieving maximum adsorption rates of 61.05% and 46.12%, respectively, at a concentration of 5.0 g/L after 240 min.