To date, many material scientists focus on green nanotechnology by utilizing eco-friendly and non-toxic nanomaterials for environmental and health applications. In addition, green nanomaterials in agriculture offer reduction in the needs of costly fertilization and the greenhouse emissions.  Thus, research is carried out focused on the development of metal oxide nanoparticles using local plant, Citrus Hystrix.

This study focuses on the structural, morphology, and the antibacterial properties of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONPs) prepared using Citrus Hystrix extract for potential wastewater treatment. The biogenic ZnONPs from Citrus were identified as wurtzite structure, and the particle size form is around 24.40 – 59.56 nm (Figure 1B). The band gap energy calculated is range between 3.29 - 3.36 eV (Figure 1C). Biogenic ZnONPs successfully inhibited the bacteria growth (Figure 1D). The project was selected and funded by Malaysian Toray Science Foundation (MTSF) in 2018.  

 Figure 1: A) showing the strategy of producing ZNONPs using chemical and green synthesis methods. B) The size of biogenic ZNONPs using green approach evaluated using scanning electron microscope C) The energy band gap calculated using Photoluminescence spectroscopy and the inhibition of bacterial growth.

The plant-mediated green synthesis of nanomaterials is important branch of nanotechnology. It has significantly developed and gained importance due to its eco environmental, low cost, biocompatible and avoiding the use of toxic chemicals.  This allows for positive impact of nanomaterials on modern agriculture where human health and environment is the main concern in addition to food and nutritional security.  

About Author 

Che Azurahanim Che Abdullah (Associate Professor Dr.) Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia Expertise: Materials for Biomedical Applications, Nanotechnology Email: azurahanim@upm.edu.my

Date of Input: 12/10/2024 | Updated: 12/10/2024 | harithdaniel