Unique UV-diffused effluent degradation and antimicrobial properties of green synthesized ZnO and MgO nanoparticles using Ganoderma adspersum – Nature

Researchers have developed a method to produce zinc oxide (ZnO) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles using an eco-friendly green synthesis approach. The process utilizes the aqueous extract of the fungus Ganoderma adspersum to create materials that exhibit high photocatalytic and antibacterial properties.

The study, published in Nature, focuses on the intersection of biotechnology and materials science to create nanoparticles that can be used for effluent degradation and antimicrobial applications. Green synthesis is a production method that employs biological agents, such as fungal extracts, to synthesize nanoparticles, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional chemical synthesis.

Structural and Morphological Characterization

To verify the properties of the synthesized nanoparticles, the research team employed X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD is a technique used to analyze the crystalline structure of materials, while SEM provides high-resolution images to examine the surface morphology and distribution of the particles.

The XRD measurements confirmed that both the zinc oxide and magnesium oxide nanoparticles were produced as intended. The subsequent SEM measurements revealed distinct physical differences between the two materials.

The ZnO nanoparticles were found to be in the form of nanonails and exhibited a homogeneous distribution. In contrast, the MgO nanoparticles displayed an irregular planar morphology and were arranged in a specific order.

Effluent Degradation and Photocatalytic Performance

A primary application of these nanoparticles is photocatalysis, a process where light is used to accelerate a chemical reaction, often used to break down pollutants in wastewater or effluents.

The green-synthesized ZnO and MgO nanoparticles demonstrated high photocatalytic activity in the degradation of effluents. According to the research results, the nanoparticles achieved the following scavenging rates:

• ZnO and MgO nanoparticles scavenged approximately 98.7% at 140 minutes.
• ZnO and MgO nanoparticles scavenged approximately 91.6% at 200 minutes.

Antimicrobial Activity and Testing

The research also investigated the bioactivity of the nanoparticles, specifically their ability to inhibit the growth of various microorganisms. This antimicrobial impact was measured by the size of the inhibition zone, which is the clear area around a nanoparticle sample where bacteria are unable to grow.

The nanoparticles were tested against six different microorganisms: A. Baumannii ATCC BA1609, E. Coli ATCC BAA-2523, E. Faecalis ATCC 49452, P. Aeruginosa NCTC 12924, S. Aureus NCTC 10788, and Y. Enterocolitica ATCC 27729.

The highest antimicrobial activity was recorded against P. Aeruginosa NCTC 12924. The ZnO nanoparticles produced an inhibition zone value of 12.0 mm, while the MgO nanoparticles produced a value of 10.0 mm.

This research was supported by the OKU Scientific Research Projects Unit through Project No: OKÜBAP2023-PT2-028.