EXPLORING THE ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF NOVEL ZIRCONIA AND SILVER PHYTO-NANOPARTICLES BIOSYNTHESIZED USING OCIMUM SANCTUM AND SYZYGIUM AROMATICUM EXTRACT: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Abstract

Nanoparticles have emerged as potential antimicrobial agents due to their unique physicochemical properties and broad-spectrum activity. In this preliminary study, we explore the antimicrobial activity of novel zirconia and silver phyto-nanoparticles biosynthesized using extracts from Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil) and Syzygium aromaticum (Clove). The green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts offers a sustainable and eco-friendly approach, making them an attractive alternative to conventional chemical methods. Zirconia and silver phyto-nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antimicrobial activity of the nanoparticles was evaluated against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as selected fungal strains. The results demonstrate potent antimicrobial activity, with enhanced performance against both bacterial and fungal pathogens. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of zirconia and silver phyto-nanoparticles as effective antimicrobial agents, paving the way for further investigations and potential applications in the field of medicine and biotechnology.

Keywords:

Antimicrobial activity, zirconia nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles

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