Green Synthesis and Characterizations of Chromium Oxide Nanoparticles (Cr<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> NPs) Derived from Pomegranate Husk and its α-Amylase Inhibitory and Antioxidant Properties

Abstract

A disease of imbalanced control of blood glucose levels due to impairment of insulin secretion or acceptance is known as diabetes mellitus. It could be induced by the high intake of sugar in diets, or by genetic background, or both. The antioxidant, which plays a role in neutralising free radicals, is crucial as the free radical could increase the chances of getting diabetes through several pathways. Injection of insulin and anti-diabetic drugs are common approaches to treating diabetes, but unfortunately, many side effects have been reported. Green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticle, which is one of the applications of nanotechnology, could be a promising method in combating diabetes as it is biocompatible, less toxic, and has large surface to volume ratio. In this study, green synthesis and characterization of Cr2O3 NPs were carried out. The Cr2O3 NPs were shown to be spherical in shape, with an average size that falls within 100 nm. The EDX spectrum indicated that only chromium (Cr) and oxygen (O) were present in the sample. Other characterization techniques such as FTIR and UV-VIS spectroscopy were conducted. For ABTS and DPPH assays, Cr2O3 NPs exhibited highest free radical scavenging properties at 74.57% and 84.12% at 30 minutes and 60 minutes at the concentrations of 5 mg/mL and 1 mg/mL, respectively. Lastly, Cr2O3 NPs showed 95.28 % at the concentration of 0.25 mg/mL in α-amylase inhibition assay.