ANTIBACTERIAL AND PHOTO-CATALYTIC APPLICATIONS OF BIO-INSPIRED EUPHORBIA PROSTRATA-MEDIATED IRON NANOPARTICLES

Abstract

The synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts is a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option than the traditional chemical or physical methods. In the current study, we synthesized iron oxide (FeO) nanoparticles (NPs) using a green approach by employing an extract from the Euphoria prostrata plant. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of FeO NPs revealed its highly crystalline structure, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM), showed the agglomerated form of the particles. Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) verified the elemental composition of FeO NPs and indicated their purity. FTIR spectroscopywas utilized to identify the functional groups. UV- visible spectrometry was used for the evaluation of synthesis. About 30.1% weight loss was observed in heating the sample from 25^oC to 600^oC. FeO NPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity, as evidenced by the development of a broad inhibitory zone (how much was the zone in mm?). FeO NPs exhibited superior antimicrobial efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with amoxicillin as control. According to the results of a flow cytometric susceptibility test, FeO nanoparticles were able to destroy P. aeruginosa (74.12%), E. coli (72.1%), and S. aureus (62.41%) at a concentration of 400 µg/ml. The photo catalytic activity was investigated against Methylene blue and Phenol red dyes. It was noticed that 27% of the dye was damaged in the first 30 minutes; however, as the irradiation period was increased up to 150 minutes, the percentage of dye degraded reached 91.1%. Additionally, the biocompatible nature of FeO NPs was also tested which showed comparable hemolytic action than Triton X-100.