Green Synthesis and Characterization of Cobalt Nanoparticles Using Butea Monosperma Flower Extract and their Biocompatibility Studies

Abstract

This study explores the green synthesis of cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) using Butea monosperma flower extract, highlighting their antibacterial efficacy, toxicity, and biocompatibility. Utilizing a plant-based reduction method, cobalt ions were reduced and stabilized by the bioactive compounds in the flower extract, forming CoNPs with notable uniformity and stability. Characterization techniques, including, UV-VIS spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), confirmed the formation and nature of the nanoparticles, which exhibited an average size of 10-20 nm. The synthesized CoNPs demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, suggesting their potential as effective antimicrobial agents. Toxicity assessment using zebrafish, and brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA), revealed that the nanoparticles exhibited minimal toxicity. Biocompatibility studies further indicated that CoNPs had no adverse effects on cellular morphology or proliferation, highlighting their suitability for biomedical applications. The eco-friendly synthesis method not only provides a sustainable approach to nanoparticle production but also enhances the potential for their safe application in medical and environmental fields. The findings underscore the promise of B. monosperma-mediated CoNPs as a viable alternative to chemically synthesized nanoparticles, with significant implications for antibacterial therapies and biocompatible materials.