Biosynthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from Microbial Source: A Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Approach
Abstract: This study investigates the biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Escherichia coli and Aspergillus niger through intracellular and extracellular pathways employing zinc nitrate hexahydrate as a precursor. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, FESEM, and EDAX to evaluate their optical properties, functional groups, morphology, and elemental composition. UV-Vis analysis revealed characteristic absorption peaks within the range of 310 nm to 360 nm, confirming nanoparticle formation. FTIR spectra indicated the presence of hydroxyl, amine, and carbonyl groups acting as reducing and stabilizing agents. FESEM analysis demonstrated diverse morphologies including spherical and rod-like structures, while EDAX confirmed zinc composition. Antibacterial assays showed maximum inhibition zones of up to 18 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, highlighting strong antimicrobial activity. The results demonstrate that microbial synthesis provides an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to conventional methods with potential applications in biomedical and environmental fields.
Keywords: This study investigates the biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Escherichia coli and Aspergillus niger through intracellular and extracellular pathways employing zinc nitrate hexahydrate as a precursor. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, FESEM, and EDAX to evaluate their optical properties, functional groups, morphology, and elemental composition. UV-Vis analysis revealed characteristic absorption peaks within the range of 310 nm to 360 nm, confirming nanoparticle formation. FTIR spectra indicated the presence of hydroxyl, amine, and carbonyl groups acting as reducing and stabilizing agents. FESEM analysis demonstrated diverse morphologies including spherical and rod-like structures, while EDAX confirmed zinc composition. Antibacterial assays showed maximum inhibition zones of up to 18 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, highlighting strong antimicrobial activity. The results demonstrate that microbial synthesis provides an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to conventional methods with potential applications in biomedical and environmental fields.
How to Cite?: Swapnil Pradhan, Shravani Ramesh Wadekar, Manish Shamrao Hate, Ramesh Chaughule, "Biosynthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from Microbial Source: A Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Approach", Volume 15 Issue 3, March 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1648-1657, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26327111608, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26327111608