Biosynthesis of Nickel Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Aerva lanata Extract and Their Utilization in Antimicrobial...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Traditional nanoparticle synthesis relies on energy-intensive methods and hazardous chemicals.
• Sustainable approaches using biological sources for nanoparticle fabrication are gaining traction.
• Aerva lanata (A. lanata) extract offers a green alternative for synthesizing nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize environmentally friendly, stable, and biocompatible nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs) using Aerva lanata extract.
• To characterize the structural, optical, and morphological properties of the synthesized Ni NPs.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Ni NPs against various bacterial and fungal strains.

Main Methods:

• Green synthesis of Ni NPs using Aerva lanata plant extract.
• Characterization using UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, and SAED.
• Antimicrobial activity testing against S. aureus, S. albus, K. pneumoniae, P. vulgaris, C. albicans, and C. tropicalis.

Main Results:

• UV-Vis spectra showed a surface plasmon resonance band at 450 nm.
• XRD confirmed the highly crystalline nature of Ni NPs.
• SEM and EDX revealed uniform polygonal and spherical morphologies with particle sizes up to 40 nm.
• Ni NPs demonstrated 100% inhibition against fungi and 85% inhibition against bacteria.

Conclusions:

• Aerva lanata extract facilitates the green synthesis of stable, biocompatible Ni NPs.
• Synthesized Ni NPs possess significant antimicrobial properties.
• This study highlights a sustainable and effective method for producing antimicrobial nanoparticles.