ZnO Nanoparticles via Modified Polyol Method: Structural Characterization and Antimicrobial Efficacy

A modified polyol method for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) is presented in this work. Nanoparticles of zinc oxide were prepared at 140 °C by the modified polyol method using Sapindus mukorossi plant extract in combination with ethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol (PEG-4000) as a green and cost-effective approach. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectral analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and elemental analysis by Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). UV-Vis spectrophotometry investigation reveals that ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) exhibit a characteristic absorption peak at 360 nm. TEM images revealed that the nanoparticles ranged in size from 15 to 35 nm, with an average size of 21 nm, and exhibited a hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure. This structure was achieved by heating the precursor solution. The addition of high-molecular-weight PEG enhanced the reducing activity and improved the stability of the nanoparticles. The antibacterial activities of ZnO NPs against the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC-96) and the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli (MTCC-452) were also screened. Additionally, the nanoparticles were tested for antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger (MTCC-281) and Candida albicans (MTCC-854). The inhibition zone observed for these microorganisms ranged from a minimum of 1.66 mm to a maximum of 18.33 mm. These findings suggest that the synthesized ZnO NPs could be potential candidates for antimicrobial applications in healthcare and environmental remediation.

ZnO Nanoparticles via Modified Polyol Method: Structural Characterization and Antimicrobial Efficacy Keywords:

Antifungal , ethylene glycol , nanoparticles , Sapindus mukorossi (soapnut) , Zinc oxide