In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Green-Synthesized Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanoparticles Utilizing Extracts From Allium sativum

Benshiga E; Azhagu Madhavan Sivalingam; Arockia Alex; Brahma Neha

doi:10.7759/cureus.55184

In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Green-Synthesized Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanoparticles Utilizing Extracts From Allium sativum

Cureus. 2024 Feb 28;16(2):e55184. doi: 10.7759/cureus.55184. eCollection 2024 Feb.

Authors

Benshiga E¹, Azhagu Madhavan Sivalingam¹, Arockia Alex², Brahma Neha²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS) Saveetha University, Chennai, IND.
² Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS) Saveetha University, Chennai, IND.

Abstract

Introduction: The primary objective of this study was to develop an environmentally friendly and efficient method for synthesizing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs), utilizing extracts from Allium sativum (garlic) plants, characterizing the synthesized ZnO NPs using various analytical techniques, and assessing their antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Materials and methods: The synthesis process involved utilizing extracts from garlic plants to create ZnO NPs. The NPs were subjected to comprehensive characterization through UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Antibacterial properties were assessed against different microbial strains. In vitro antioxidant properties were evaluated through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assays. Bioactive compounds in the synthesized NPs were also identified.

Results: Analysis of the UV-vis spectrum confirmed the synthesis of ZnO NPs with an approximate size of 280 nm, as indicated by the absorption peak in the surface plasmon resonance band. FTIR spectroscopy revealed the presence of functional groups such as hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. SEM analysis determined the dimensions of the NPs to be around 11 nm. XRD patterns exhibited distinct Bragg reflections, confirming specific crystallographic planes. In vitro antioxidant assays demonstrated a reduction in absorbance at 517 nm and 734 nm, indicating antioxidant activity. Antibacterial testing revealed inhibition zones against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans,and Enterococcus faecalis.

Conclusion: The study successfully synthesized ZnO NPs using an eco-friendly method with garlic plant extracts. Characterization techniques confirmed the structural and chemical properties of the NPs. The synthesized NPs exhibited antioxidant and antibacterial activities, showcasing their potential for various applications. The identification of bioactive compounds further contributes to the understanding of the biological properties of the synthesized NPs.

Keywords: allium sativum; antioxidant; characterization; sem; zno nanoparticle.