Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Functional Evaluation of Nanoparticles for Enhanced Antibacterial Activity

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance has prompted the development of
eco-friendly and effective antibacterial agents. In this study, nanoparticles were synthesized via
a green synthesis approach using plant-derived bioactive compounds as reducing and
stabilizing agents. This sustainable method eliminates the use of toxic chemicals while offering
controlled nanoparticle formation. The synthesized nanoparticles were comprehensively
characterized using UV–Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)
spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission
electron microscopy (TEM) to confirm their formation, crystallinity, morphology, and
functional groups. Particle size distribution and surface characteristics were further analyzed
to assess stability and dispersion. The antibacterial activity of the green-synthesized
nanoparticles was evaluated against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial
strains using standard agar diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. The
nanoparticles exhibited significantly enhanced antibacterial efficacy compared to the plant
extract alone, which is attributed to their nanoscale size, increased surface area, and synergistic
interaction with phytochemicals. These findings demonstrate that green-synthesized
nanoparticles are promising candidates for sustainable antibacterial applications in biomedical
and environmental fields.
Keywords: ZnO, CuO, or Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles, other plants (Moringa oleifera, Ocimum
sanctum, Curcuma longa).