European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF ZERO-VALENT IRON NANOPARTICLES SYNTHESIZED BY GREEN PROTOCOLS USING MURRAYA KOENIGII EXTRACT

Sherin Philip and Sunny Kuriakose*

ABSTRACT

Zero-valent iron nanoparticles were prepared, following a green synthesis procedure using Murraya koenigii extract. The precursor FeSO4.7H2O was reduced to black metallic iron by Murraya koenigii extract. The reduction using natural agents is hopeful since there is only a minimal amount of hazardous chemicals being released, which reduces further chances of chemical pollution. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV/visible spectroscopy. The surface morphology, size, shape and particle distribution were studied using scanning electron (SEM) and transmission electron (TEM) microscopic techniques. The crystal structure was studied using XRD technique. SEM images showed almost uniform particle distribution. Besides, antibacterial studies of the synthesized nanoparticles against three bacterial stains were performed. Antibacterial activity was monitored against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by well diffusion method. Although the particles showed considerable activity against all of the three stains, maximum activity was shown against K.pneumoniae with a zone size measuring 21 mm. Antibacterial activity of the iron nanoparticles synthesized by green methods is significant, since the antibacterial agents so produced are biocompatible, less toxic and environment-friendly.

Keywords: Zero-valent iron; Murraya koenigii; biocompatible; antibacterial.