Green synthesis of zirconia nanoparticles and their characterization, anticancer activity and corrosion inhibition properties

Abstract

Zirconia nanoparticles (ZrO2 NPs) were synthesized using leaf extract of Parkia biglandulosa (P. biglandulosa) (PBL). The structure of ZrO2 NPs was confirmed by various spectroscopic techniques such as UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDAX and HR-TEM coupled with SAED pattern. Morphology was studied with a scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy-dispersive study (EDS) and a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM). The crystalline phase was analyzed using a selected area electron diffraction pattern (SAED). The tetragonal phase structure of the produced NPs was authenticated by the XRD pattern. The absorption bands at 616 and 619 cm−1 confirmed the Zr–O–Zr asymmetric and Zr–O stretching modes of ZrO2 NPs. The ZrO2 NPs were evaluated for their bactericidal activity against oral bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Staphylococcus albus and Streptococcus mutans. The toxicity of the ZrO2 NPs was assessed by MTT assay on MCF7 breast cancer cells. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the Tafel polarization technique showed that the ZrO2 NPs mild steel (MS) exhibited greater anticorrosive behavior in 3.5% NaCl electrolyte compared with the uncoated MS plate.