Synthesis and Characterization of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Activated Carbon Derived from Biomass (Borassus Flabellifer) and Assessment of Potential Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

Nanoparticles possess unique properties and have attracted great attention from the research and scientific community. Metal oxides like Zinc Oxide (ZnO) are used in medical applications for several purposes, including nanocoatings, drug delivery, and more. A feature common among these nanoparticles is their ability to prevent and protect human health from various bacteria. In our study, ZnO nanocomposites were synthesized using ZnO nanoparticles doped with activated carbon derived from Borassus Flabellifer (BF) with varying ratios. Characterization was carried out using X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and antimicrobial activity was evaluated against four different bacteria. XRD patterns indicated the presence of a hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO. In the FTIR spectrum, Zn-O stretching suggested that the activated carbon was bound to zinc. SEM images showed that the nanocomposites exhibited irregular, agglomerated morphology. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using zones of inhibition. ZnO combined with activated carbon derived from Borassus flabellifer, was successfully synthesized. Among the developed composites with varying ratios, the 1:3:0.3 (ZnO:ABFC:PVP) showed notable characteristics and effective antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas sp., with the widest Zone of Inhibition compared to other bacteria.