Fabrication of iron nanoparticles using different bioactive precursors, their characterization and bioactivity evaluation

Abstract

This study deals with the green synthesis of Iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) using plant extracts of Polygonum plebeium (Knotweed) and Camellia sinensis (Green tea), focusing on their antibacterial potential, biocatalytic action as well as prospective applications as nanofertilizers. Plant materials underwent a thorough cleaning and were processed into aqueous extracts. The synthesis of FeNPs involved blending these extracts with ferric chloride solution, resulting in a versatile nanomaterial that was subjected to various characterization techniques, such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and DLS-Zeta unveiling critical nanoparticle attributes of the synthesized nanoparticles, including the size, crystallinity, morphology, stability, and elemental composition. The synthesized FeNPs exhibited substantial antibacterial activities, against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, the biocatalytic properties of the synthesized FeNPs were investigated through dye degradation. These nanoparticles further, were demonstrated for their potential as nanofertilizers, enhancing the germination and growth of tomato and radish seeds. The merging of nanotechnology and plant-based synthesis represents a promising intersection with the capacity to revolutionize diverse fields.