ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECT OF ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES USING BEETROOT (BETA VULGARIS), CARROT (DAUCUS CAROTA), AND RADISH (RAPHANUS SATIVUS)

Author (s) : S.AJITHADEVI

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Abstract :
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to public health, necessitating the exploration of alternative antibacterial agents. In recent years, nanoparticles have gained attention for their unique properties, including enhanced antibacterial efficacy. This study investigates the antibacterial effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized from natural extracts of beetroot (Beta vulgaris), carrot (Daucus carota), and radish (Raphanus sativus) against pathogenic bacteria. ZnO NPs were synthesized using a green and eco-friendly approach employing the plant extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents. The nanoparticles were characterized using various analytical techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to confirm their size, shape, and crystal structure. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized ZnO NPs was evaluated against a panel of pathogenic bacteria, including Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) strains, using the disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Standard antibiotics were used as positive controls for comparison. Furthermore, the ZnO NPs displayed a broader spectrum of activity than conventional antibiotics, indicating their potential as a versatile antibacterial agent. To understand the underlying mechanism of the antibacterial effect, the interaction between the ZnO NPs and bacterial cells was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were employed to observe morphological changes and membrane damage in the bacterial cells treated with ZnO NPs. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the successful synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using beetroot, carrot, and radish extracts and highlights their potent antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria. However, further research is required to explore the potential toxicity and long-term effects of these Nanoparticles in vivo before their practical application in the medical field.

Keywords : Zinc oxide Nanoparticles, Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Bacterial infections

Conference Date : 13/11/2020

Pages : 253

Paper ID : 20253