Green Synthesis of Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles using Vitex negundo Leaf for Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Activities

This study addresses the crucial need for an environmentally sustainable method by synthesizing Nickel Oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) by using Vitex negundo(VN) leaf extract as a natural stabilizing and reducing agent. As the demand for green nanoparticle synthesis continues to increase and innovative approaches are essential to reduce reliance on harmful chemicals and high energy consumption. The synthesis of NiO NPs process was carried out at room temperature, followed by annealing at 500°C and 700°C to enhance the nanoparticles' properties respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed improved crystallinity at higher temperatures, with crystalline sizes of 20.91 nm at 500°C and 32.61 nm at 700°C. These findings underscore the potential of using plant extracts of green synthesis, offering a sustainable pathway for producing high-quality nanoparticles and contributing to the advancement of eco-friendly nanotechnology. The UV-Vis spectrum showed an energy band gap of 3.38 eV. SEM analysis revealed spherical particles with some agglomeration, while EDX confirmed the elemental composition. FTIR analysis identified functional groups in the sample annealed at 500°C. Antibacterial testing using the agar well diffusion method demonstrated activity against B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa. Additionally, the nanoparticles exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity, highlighting their potential for biomedical applications.