Insights into the pharmaceutical properties of green fabricated Iron oxide nanoparticles

Researchers have recently grown interested in utilizing plant extracts as effective reducing agents for the eco-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles. The present investigation involved the preparation of Iraqi onion extract (Allium cepa), which was further utilized as a reducing agent for the biosynthesis of Fe₃O₄-nanoparticles (NPs). Characterization of nanoparticles was conducted using UV-visible spectroscopy, TEM, XRD, FT-IR, FESEM, and EDS analyses. The in vitro cytotoxicity was assessed in MDCK-SIAT cells utilizing the MTT assay, while the antiviral efficacy was examined with the neuraminidase assay kit MAK12. Antibacterial efficacy was examined against S. aureus and E. coli utilizing a disk-diffusion methodology. The DPPH assay was employed to evaluate antioxidant activity. The impact of A. cepa extract and Fe₃O₄-NPs on phagocytic cell activity was evaluated. Our findings demonstrated the production of solid, crystalline, semi-spherical Fe₃O₄ measuring 36 ± 1.23 nm, exhibiting significant antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. A. cepa extract and Fe₃O₄-NPs can augment the phagocytic activity of phagocytic cells by elevating the formation of reactive oxygen species. In conclusion, Onion peel extract is a superior option for synthesizing Fe₃O₄-NPs, which may be employed in many therapeutic applications in the future.