Green protocols for the synthesis of nanoparticles have gained significant attention due to their environmental friendliness, ease, and cost-effectiveness. The present study focused on the synthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) using an aqueous leaves extract of Syzygium cumini plant, and the antimicrobial potential of the synthesized NPs. Methods: The synthesis of MgO-NPs was achieved by mixing a solution of magnesium nitrate (Mg (NO3)2 with an aqueous extract obtained from S. cumini leaves to reduce the Mg+ ions. These NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy analysis, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Results: The transformation in color of the solution from yellow to deep brown along with the UV absorption peak at 294 nm showed the effective synthesis of MgO-NPs. SEM and XRD data revealed cubic-shaped NPs with an average size of 23.73 nm. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of magnesium and oxygen in the sample at 31.85% and 35.11% weight percentages, respectively. The antibacterial evaluation demonstrated effectiveness against the gram-negative strains Citrobacter koseri and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with inhibition zones of 28.1 ± 1.25 mm and 27.8 ± 1.25 mm, respectively. MgO-NPs also showed antileishmanial potential against Leishmania tropica promastigotes (68.41 ± 0.05% inhibition at 1000µg/ml). Furthermore, the NPs exhibited antioxidant properties (75.12 ± 4.29% at 1 mg/ml) as determined by the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Conclusions: MgO-NPs synthesized using S. cumini plant leaves extract hold promises as agents for antibacterial, antileishmanial, and antioxidant applications.
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