PJB-2024-365
Green synthesis and synergistic antibacterial activity of iron oxide and aluminum oxide nanoparticles using Cymbopogon citratus extract
Inam Ullah Khan, Kashif Bashir, Zarkish Tariq, Wajid Syed, Faiz Ur Rehman, Mahmood Basil A. Al-Rawi, Moheb Ullah Khan and Khuzin Dinislam
Abstract
Bioinspired synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) offers a sustainable alternative to conventional methods, promoting eco-friendly, cost-effective, and scalable production. Present study explores the synthesis and characterization of FeO and Al2O3 NPs using Cymbopogon citratus extract, followed by an evaluation of their synergistic antibacterial activity with conventional antibiotics against uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Utilizing the natural phytochemicals present in C. citratus, we successfully synthesized nanoparticles in a sustainable manner, eliminating the need for hazardous chemicals. The synthesized NPs were characterized using various techniques, revealing size and morphology variations. FeO-NPs exhibited a slightly spherical, porous morphology with a size range of 5-10 nm, while Al2O3- NPs displayed a rod-like and granular structure with sizes ranging from 5-12 nm as per TEM analysis and broader distribution around 100 nm by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The study demonstrated enhanced antibacterial activity (10-100 fold) when these NPs were combined with various antibiotics (Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid, Ampicillin, Co-trimoxazole, Ciprofloxacin, Amikacin, Imipenem, Chloramphenicol). The synergistic effect led to increased potency, with improvements ranging from 10-fold for Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid to complete eradication (100% potency) of bacterial growth with Ampicillin. These findings highlight the potential of C. citratus extract for biogenic synthesis of FeO and Al2O3 NPs with promising antibacterial properties. Additionally, their synergistic effect suggests potential applications as antibiotic enhancers, paving the way for more effective treatments against uropathogenic E. coli infections
To Cite this article:
Khan, I.U., K. Bashir, Z. Tariq, W. Syed, F.U. Rehman, M.B.A. Al-Rawi, M.U. Khan and K. Dinislam. 2025. Green synthesis and synergistic antibacterial activity of iron oxide and aluminum oxide nanoparticles using Cymbopogon citratus extract. Pak. J. Bot., 57(5): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2025-5(8)
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