Advanced Microscopic Characterization and Antimicrobial Applications of Green-Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in...

The green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts has garnered significant attention as a reliable and sustainable method for producing functional nanomaterials. Among these, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are extensively studied for their potential biological applications. In this study, ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized through a green synthesis approach using an aqueous extract of Musa acuminata leaves and zinc acetate as precursors. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The UV-Vis spectra revealed characteristic absorption peaks around 350 nm, attributed to the nanoparticles' large excitation binding energy at room temperature. FTIR analyses confirmed the formation of zinc oxide chemical bonds, while XRD results indicated a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure. SEM analysis showed that the nanoparticles had a nearly cuboid shape, and EDX analysis confirmed their high purity. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli cultures. Cotton wound bandages impregnated with ZnO nanoparticles at concentrations near the calculated MIC demonstrated significant antibacterial activity in vitro. These antimicrobial bandages show potential for use in treating and protecting infection-prone wounds, such as diabetic or burn-related injuries.