Green synthesis of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and their biological activity

Abstract

Zinc oxide (ZnO) has broad applications in various areas. Green synthesis is an alternative to conventional physical and chemical methods. Green synthesis of nanoparticles is gaining importance due to its cost-effectiveness, reduction of toxic chemicals and extensive antimicrobial activity. Herein, we have discovered synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using agro waste materials like sheep and goat faecal matter as a reducing agent. Synthesized ZnONPs were evaluated for their purity, particle size, morphological structure, using UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope analysis. However, nanoparticles gain low crystallite size, they seemed to be uneven structures like spongy like and flower shaped particles. Obtained nanoparticles exhibit good antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration against Salmonella typhimurium and Bacillus subtilis. Agro-waste based green synthesized ZnONPs possess small sized particles, enhances the good antimicrobial effect. This research leads to develop a new way of cost-effective synthesis and reducing usage of chemicals in further studies.