Thesis

On

Evaluation of anti-microbial activity of Green synthesis of

Fe2O3 Nanoparticles using selected medicinal plants

extracts

By

Arsheed Ahmad Baba

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CHAPTER-1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Nanoparticles from plant extracts

Traditional medicine has known about and used the antimicrobial properties of healing plants

for hundreds of years. There are many bioactive compounds in medicinal plants that have

natural antimicrobial qualities. This makes them good places to look for new antimicrobial

agents. These bioactive chemicals can stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, among

other microorganisms. Some plants used for medicine make chemicals that can stop germs

from growing and multiplying. These chemicals could damage the membranes of bacterial

cells, stop important enzymes from working, or stop DNA from copying, which would kill

the bacterial cells. Different types of bioactive chemicals, such as alkaloids, flavonoids,

phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and essential oils, give medicinal plants their antimicrobial

properties. Each plant species may have a different mix of these compounds, which may be

part of what gives it its own antimicrobial qualities. In vitro tests, such as the disc diffusion

assay, agar dilution method, and broth microdilution assay, are used to find out if medical

plants have antimicrobial properties. These tests help find out the minimum inhibitory

concentration (MIC) or minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) of the

plant extract or isolated compounds against the target bacteria. Traditional medical methods

all over the world have used medicinal plants to treat infections and other illnesses. The

bioactive chemicals in medicinal plants can be used to come up with new antimicrobial drugs

or lead compounds. Antimicrobial substances found in medicinal plants can be used as food

preservatives to stop the growth of germs that cause food to go bad or make people sick. To

control plant diseases and increase crop output, plant extracts with antimicrobial properties

can be used in agriculture. Natural antimicrobial chemicals from medicinal plants can be

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added to soaps and shampoos to make them work better. Even though they have the potential

to be used as antimicrobial agents, more study needs to be done to confirm the safety,

effectiveness, and possible side effects of medicinal plant extracts or their bioactive

compounds. Also, knowing how they work and how they might combine with other

antimicrobial drugs is important for using them safely and effectively in different situations.

Green synthesis is the process of making nanoparticles or other nanomaterials using ways

that are safe for the environment and will last. Its goal is to cut down on the use of dangerous

chemicals and energy-intensive methods that are usually used to make nanoparticles. Green

synthesis has gotten a lot of interest because it has the potential to reduce damage to the

environment and make nanotechnology more sustainable. Green synthesis has many benefits,

such as less pollution and waste, less energy use, lower costs, and the possibility of using

natural materials that are close by. As nanotechnology keeps getting better, green

manufacturing methods are likely to play a big role in making nanoparticle production more

sustainable and friendly to the environment. Green synthesis has many benefits, such as less

pollution and waste, less energy use, lower costs, and the possibility of using natural

materials that are close by. Nanotechnology has introduced a new dimension in the field of

environmental remediation of various toxic contaminants like heavy metals, dyes and

pesticides etc. Controlling the particle size and shape at nanoscale results into a large surface

area to volume ratio that imparts greater reactivity. Apart from the smaller particle sizes,

presence of a large numbers of active sites and the catalytic potential of nanoparticles enable

them as potential candidates for wide range of contaminants [I. Ali, 2012]. Nanoscale iron

particles have shown efficiency for detoxification of chlorinated organic solvents,

organochlorine pesticides and PCBs [W.X. Zhang, 2003]. Zhang et al. prepared

ferromagnetic carbon coated Fe nanoparticle which could remove over 95% of chromium

(VI) in wastewater [Kong et al., 2013]. Manganese based nanoparticle synthesized using

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micro-emulsion process and coated with gold was observed as efficient nanosorbents for

removal of heavy metals from wastewater [Kong e al., 2013]. Copper (II) oxide nanoparticles

synthesized by thermal refluxing process were found as a potential nano-adsorbent for arsenic

removal [Goswani et al., 2012]. Iron oxide based components have a natural affinity for

arsenic sorption [Aeredes et al., 2012]. Removal of As(V) using magnetic Fe3O4 from

municipal waste water has been reported [Sai Bhargav, 2013]. Fe(III) crosslinked alginate

nanoparticles were used in fixed bed column for arsenic (V) removal [Singh et al., 2014].

Apart from being an effective adsorbent of As(V), the nano-sorbent demonstrated

antimicrobial property also. The adsorption– desorption behaviour for As(V) was studied

using hydrated iron oxide particles in combination with a macroporous ion-exchange resin at

neutral pH [Beker et al., 2010].

As nanotechnology keeps getting better, green manufacturing methods are likely to play a

big role in making nanoparticle production more sustainable and friendly to the environment.

Some of the ways of synthesis are:

 Plant-mediated synthesis: In this method, natural reducing and capping agents are

made from different plant products, such as leaves, stems, roots, or seeds. Bioactive

compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids are found in these extracts.

These compounds can help reduce metal salts and maintain nanoparticles. Plant-

mediated synthesis is easy to do, doesn't cost much, and can make a wide range of

nanoparticles.

 Microorganism-mediated synthesis: Some creatures, like bacteria, fungi, and algae,

have natural reducing properties that can be used to make nanoparticles. These

bacteria can be grown in the presence of metal ions, which makes nanoparticles

smaller and more stable. Microorganism-mediated synthesis is becoming more

common because it is good for the environment and can be scaled up.

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  Biowaste-derived synthesis: Waste products from farming and food preparation, like

peels, husks, shells, and stems, are great sources of natural reducing agents. Using

these bio-waste products to make nanoparticles is good for the environment and adds

value to the waste stream at the same time.

 Green solvents: To make nanoparticles the old way, toxic solvents are often used. In

green synthesis, scientists use liquids that are safe for the environment, such as water,

supercritical CO2, or other non-toxic options.

 Microwave or ultrasonic-assisted synthesis: Using microwave or ultrasonic energy

during the synthesis process can speed up the reduction of metal ions and help

nanoparticles form. These methods make it possible to make nanoparticles faster and

with less energy.

Nanoparticles made from extracts of medical plants are getting a lot of attention in medicine

and health care because they might have therapeutic uses. These nanoparticles combine the

good things about medicinal plants with the special things about nanoparticles. This makes

them a hopeful platform for targeted drug delivery, imaging, and treating diseases. Bioactive

chemicals in medicinal plant extracts can be put inside nanoparticles, which protects them

from breaking down and makes them more bioavailable. This makes sure that the active parts

get to the right tissues in high enough amounts, which makes the medicinal plant extracts

more effective as treatments. Scientists can make nanoparticles that go straight to certain cells

or tissues in the body. By attaching therapeutic plant extracts to nanoparticles with ligands or

antibodies that bind to specific receptors on diseased cells, it is possible to send the extracts

right to where they are needed. This way of getting drugs to the right place lowers side effects

and damage to healthy tissues. The bioactive chemicals in medicinal plant extracts can be

released from nanoparticles in a controlled and steady way. This controlled release profile

makes the therapeutic action last longer, reduces the number of times a dose needs to be

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given, and makes it easier for the patient to take the medicine as prescribed. Some extracts of

medicinal plants have more than one bioactive ingredient that works together to have a

healing effect. These compounds can be wrapped up in nanoparticles at the same time,

causing a synergistic effect that boosts the overall therapeutic potential. Some nanoparticles

can be used as contrast agents in medical imaging methods like magnetic resonance imaging

(MRI), computed tomography (CT), and fluorescence imaging. By putting extracts from

medical plants into these nanoparticles, they can be used for both imaging and treatment. The

pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of medical plant extracts can be changed by

nanoparticles, which could make them less dangerous. This is especially helpful for products

of plants that are very dangerous when taken in their natural form. Even though nanoparticles

in medicinal plant extracts have a lot of promise, there are still problems to solve. Some of

the most important things to think about when making nanoparticle formulations for clinical

use are making sure they are stable and can be made again and again, knowing their long-

term safety profiles, and dealing with the possibility that they could cause an immune

response.

1.2 Fe2O3 nanoparticles:

Fe2O3 nanoparticles, also known as iron oxide nanoparticles, are nanoscale particles

composed of iron and oxygen atoms in a specific stoichiometric ratio. They belong to the

family of metal oxide nanoparticles and exhibit unique properties due to their small size,

which is typically in the range of 1 to 100 nanometers.

Key properties of Fe2O3 nanoparticles include:

1. Magnetic properties: Fe2O3 nanoparticles are ferromagnetic materials, meaning they can

be magnetized in the presence of an external magnetic field. This property makes them

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valuable for various magnetic-based applications, such as magnetic resonance imaging

(MRI), magnetic drug delivery, and magnetic hyperthermia therapy for cancer treatment.

2. High surface area: Nanoparticles have a high surface-to-volume ratio compared to bulk

materials. This increased surface area allows for enhanced reactivity and makes Fe2O3

nanoparticles suitable for catalytic applications and pollutant removal from wastewater.

3. Optical properties: Iron oxide nanoparticles exhibit interesting optical properties,

especially in the case of γ-Fe2O3 (gamma-phase) nanoparticles. They can absorb and emit

light in the near-infrared (NIR) region, which is useful for biomedical imaging and therapy

applications.

4. Biocompatibility: Iron oxide nanoparticles, especially those with surface modifications,

can be made biocompatible, allowing their use in biomedical applications like drug delivery,

imaging, and biosensing.

5. Stability and corrosion resistance: Fe2O3 nanoparticles are generally stable and show good

resistance to corrosion, which is essential for their long-term applications.

Applications of Fe2O3 nanoparticles include:

1. Biomedical applications: Fe2O3 nanoparticles have significant potential in biomedicine,

including MRI contrast agents, drug delivery carriers, hyperthermia treatment for cancer, and

targeted therapy.

2. Environmental applications: Due to their magnetic and catalytic properties, Fe2O3

nanoparticles are utilized in environmental remediation for the removal of pollutants from

water and soil.

3. Magnetic storage media: Fe2O3 nanoparticles have been investigated for potential use in

magnetic data storage devices.

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4. Pigments and coatings: Iron oxide nanoparticles are used as pigments in paints, coatings,

and cosmetics due to their color properties and stability.

5. Gas sensors: Fe2O3 nanoparticles can be incorporated into gas sensors for the detection of

harmful gases and volatile organic compounds.

6. Energy storage: Iron oxide nanoparticles have been studied for energy storage applications,

such as in lithium-ion batteries.

Antimicrobial activity of Fe2O3 nanoparticles:

The antimicrobial activity of Fe2O3 nanoparticles has been a subject of research and

investigation in recent years. These nanoparticles have shown promise as potential

antimicrobial agents against various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Their unique properties, such as high surface area, magnetic behavior, and the ability to

generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), contribute to their antimicrobial efficacy.

Here are some ways Fe2O3 nanoparticles exert antimicrobial activity:

1. ROS generation: Fe2O3 nanoparticles can catalyze the production of reactive oxygen

species (ROS) in the presence of oxygen and moisture. ROS, such as hydroxyl radicals (OH•)

and superoxide radicals (O2•-), are highly reactive and can damage microbial cells by

causing oxidative stress. The increased ROS levels can lead to cell membrane damage, DNA

and protein oxidation, and ultimately, cell death.

2. Disruption of cell membranes: Fe2O3 nanoparticles can physically interact with the cell

membranes of microorganisms. Due to their small size and high surface area, they can

penetrate the cell walls of bacteria and fungi, leading to membrane disruption and leakage of

intracellular components.

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3. Magnetic hyperthermia: Under the influence of an external magnetic field, Fe2O3

nanoparticles can generate heat through magnetic hyperthermia. This localized increase in

temperature can cause thermal stress and damage to microbial cells in proximity to the

nanoparticles.

4. Surface functionalization: Fe2O3 nanoparticles can be surface functionalized with

antimicrobial agents, such as antibiotics or antimicrobial peptides. The combination of Fe2O3

nanoparticles and antimicrobial agents can result in synergistic antimicrobial effects,

enhancing their activity against resistant microorganisms.

The antimicrobial activity of Fe2O3 nanoparticles has been demonstrated in several studies

against various pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida

albicans, and even certain viruses. However, it is essential to consider the potential

cytotoxicity of these nanoparticles towards mammalian cells when evaluating their

antimicrobial efficacy for biomedical applications. It's worth noting that while Fe2O3

nanoparticles show promising antimicrobial properties, further research is required to fully

understand their mechanisms of action, optimize their antimicrobial activity, and assess their

long-term safety and environmental impact. As with any emerging technology, careful

consideration of potential risks and benefits is essential before implementing Fe2O3

nanoparticles for antimicrobial applications in real-world scenarios. The goal of this study is

to find a way to use iron oxide nanoparticles to make a solution for medicinal Plant Extracts

that is both useful and good for the environment. In the first part of this study, samples of

water and soil from four different places in the Kashmir area will be taken for

physiochemical analysis. Then, a crude extract of medical pant that kills bacteria will be

found and described. After this, a green way to make Fe2O3 nanoparticles using extracts

from therapeutic plants will be made, and then the antibacterial activity of the green-made

Fe2O3 nanoparticles will be tested.

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 1.3 Aims and Objectives:

The aims and objectives of the present thesis are:

 To isolate, characterize and evaluate the efficacy of medicinal pant crude extract for

antibacterial activity.

 To synthesize and characterize Fe2O3 nanoparticle for antibacterial activity.

 To formulate green preparation of Fe2O3 nanoparticles using medicinal plant extract

 To evaluation of antibacterial activity of green synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticles

 To evaluate the relationship between antibacterial activity and green synthesis

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1.4 Significance of the study

The study "Evaluation of anti-microbial activity of Green synthesis of Fe2O3

Nanoparticles using selected medicinal plants extracts" is important because it could help

scientists learn more about nanotechnology, medicine, and antimicrobial therapy, as well

as help people in real life. The main goal of the study is to find ways to make Fe2O3

nanoparticles from extracts of medical plants that are safe for the environment and can be

used for a long time. Green synthesis cuts down on the use of harmful chemicals and

processes that use a lot of energy. This makes it better for the environment and more in

line with the concepts of green chemistry. The study looks at the antimicrobial action of

Fe2O3 nanoparticles to see if they could be used in medicine, especially to fight

microbial infections. The results could lead to the creation of new antibacterial drugs or

ways to give drugs to people. The study shows how some extracts from medical plants

could be used as natural sources of reducing and stabilizing agents for making

nanoparticles. If we know how these plant products work in green synthesis, we can look

into how they can be used in nanomedicine and other areas. Antimicrobial resistance is a

world health problem, and it is important to find new ways to fight it. The study's focus

on evaluating antimicrobial action helps in the search for new and effective antimicrobial

agents that can help solve this important problem. It is important to test Fe2O3

nanoparticles made using green ways to find out if they are biocompatible and if they

could be harmful to human cells. This is very important if we want to use these

nanoparticles in biomedical uses in a safe and effective way. The results of the study

could be used in healthcare situations to help develop new antimicrobial treatments and

diagnostic methods. Also, the green synthesis method can show other experts how to

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make nanoparticles in a way that is good for the environment. This encourages eco-

friendly practices in nanotechnology. The study can be used as a starting point for more

research into the specific processes that make Fe2O3 nanoparticles antimicrobial and how

they might be used in medical fields like wound healing, targeted drug delivery, and

imaging. In short, the study has a lot of promise to help us learn more about medicine,

antimicrobial therapy, and green nanotechnology. Its results could have big effects on

how to deal with antibiotic resistance, improve health care, and encourage

nanotechnology research that is sustainable and kind to the environment.

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1.5 Scope of the study:

The goal of the study "Evaluation of anti-microbial activity of Green synthesis of Fe2O3

nanoparticles using selected medicinal plants extracts" is to look into the antimicrobial

properties of Fe2O3 nanoparticles made using green methods and specific medicinal plant

extracts as reducing and capping agents. The goal of the study is to find out how well

these nanoparticles work against different species, such as bacteria, fungi, and maybe

even viruses. In the study, Fe2O3 nanoparticles are made in a green way by using extracts

from certain therapeutic plants. Most likely, the process will involve taking bioactive

chemicals from the plants and using them as reducing agents to turn iron salts into

nanoparticles. Different methods will be used to figure out the size, form, surface

properties, and stability of the Fe2O3 nanoparticles. For example, electron imaging, X-

ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and dynamic light

scattering (DLS) are all ways to figure out what something is. The main goal of the study

is to find out how well the nanoparticles made from Fe2O3 kill bacteria. The

antimicrobial tests might use common methods like the disc diffusion assay or the

minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination to measure how the nanoparticles

stop certain bacteria and fungi from growing. In addition to looking at how well Fe2O3

nanoparticles kill microorganisms, the study may also look at how selective they are

toward microorganisms versus human cells to see if they are safe and biocompatible for

use in medicine. The study could compare the antimicrobial activity of the Fe2O3

nanoparticles to that of traditional antimicrobial drugs or other nanoparticle formulations

to find out how well they work and what benefits they might have. The study may look

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for ways to improve the green synthesis process to make Fe2O3 nanoparticles more

effective at killing bacteria. This could mean changing things like the amount of plant

extract, the amount of time the reaction takes, or the temperature of the reaction. Based on

what the study finds, the scope may include talking about how the synthesized Fe2O3

nanoparticles could be used in antimicrobial therapy, drug delivery, and other medical or

environmental uses. Due to a lack of resources and the need for focused research, the

study may only look at certain types of microbes, extracts from medicinal plants, and

green synthesis methods. But the study's results can give us important information and

pave the way for more research and a wider range of uses of Fe2O3 nanoparticles made

through green synthesis in nanomedicine and antibiotic research.

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1.6 Statement of the problem:

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing world health problem, which means that we need to

find new and effective antimicrobial agents as soon as possible. Nanoparticles, especially

Fe2O3 nanoparticles, have shown that they may be able to kill bacteria. But traditional

ways of making nanoparticles often involve using dangerous chemicals and processes that

use a lot of energy, which can be bad for the environment. Green synthesis of

nanoparticles, which uses extracts from medicinal plants as reducing and stabilizing

agents, is an eco-friendly and sustainable option. The antimicrobial potential of Fe2O3

nanoparticles made using green methods and certain extracts from medical plants is still

not well understood.

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 1.7 Research questions:

1. Can Fe2O3 nanoparticles be successfully synthesized using green methods employing

specific medicinal plant extracts as reducing and capping agents?

2. What are the physicochemical characteristics of the green-synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticles,

such as size, shape, and surface properties?

3. What is the antimicrobial activity of the green-synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticles against a

range of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi?

4. How do the antimicrobial properties of the green-synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticles compare

to traditional antimicrobial agents and other nanoparticle formulations?

5. Are the green-synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticles selective towards microorganisms, and do

they exhibit biocompatibility with mammalian cells?

6. What are the potential applications of the green-synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticles in

antimicrobial therapy and other medical or environmental fields based on their antimicrobial

efficacy and biocompatibility?

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1.8 Limitations of the study
The study "Evaluation of anti-microbial activity of Green synthesis of Fe2O3 Nanoparticles

using selected medicinal plants extracts" may have certain limitations that could impact the

interpretation of its results and conclusions. Some potential limitations include:

1. Selection of medicinal plants: The choice of medicinal plant extracts used for green

synthesis may limit the generalizability of the findings. Different plant extracts may contain

varying levels of bioactive compounds, leading to differences in the properties and

antimicrobial activity of the synthesized nanoparticles.

2. Variability in bioactive compounds: The composition of bioactive compounds in medicinal

plant extracts can vary based on factors such as season, geographic location, and growth

conditions. This variability might affect the reproducibility of the green synthesis process and

the antimicrobial activity of the nanoparticles.

3. Nanoparticle characterization: The comprehensive characterization of nanoparticles is

essential for understanding their properties and potential applications. However, certain

advanced characterization techniques might be unavailable or resource-intensive, limiting the

depth of nanoparticle analysis.

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4. Standardization of antimicrobial tests: The use of different strains of microorganisms,

variations in culture conditions, or variations in testing protocols for antimicrobial activity

assessment could introduce variability in the results. Standardization of the antimicrobial tests

is necessary for reliable comparisons and conclusions.

5. Biocompatibility assessment: The study might focus on antimicrobial activity without an

extensive investigation into the potential cytotoxicity or biocompatibility of the green-

synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticles towards mammalian cells. Further research might be needed

to assess the nanoparticles' safety for medical applications.

6. Limited scope of antimicrobial activity: The study may evaluate the antimicrobial activity

against only a specific set of microorganisms, potentially overlooking the effects on other

clinically relevant pathogens or drug-resistant strains.

7. Real-world conditions: The antimicrobial activity of nanoparticles in laboratory settings

might differ from their performance under real-world conditions, where factors like

biological fluids, temperature variations, and in vivo interactions can influence their efficacy.

8. Lack of in vivo studies: While in vitro evaluations provide valuable insights, the absence

of in vivo studies limits the understanding of the nanoparticles' behavior and efficacy within

complex biological systems.

9. Cost and scalability: The green synthesis approach may have cost implications and

scalability challenges, which could affect the feasibility of large-scale production for practical

applications.

Despite these potential limitations, the study can provide valuable preliminary data and

insights into the antimicrobial activity of green-synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticles. It can serve

as a foundation for further investigations and help identify areas that require more in-depth

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research to fully explore the nanoparticles' potential for antimicrobial therapy and other

applications.

Summary
The green synthesis of Fe2O3 nanoparticles using certain extracts from medicinal plants to

test their antimicrobial activity has a lot of promise in many ways. The chemicals in

medicinal plant extracts can be different depending on things like the type of plant, where it

grows, and how it was extracted. This can cause differences in how Fe2O3 nanoparticles are

made, which in turn can cause differences in how well they kill bacteria. To understand the

physical and chemical features of the Fe2O3 nanoparticles that have been made, it is

important to know a lot about them. If nanoparticles aren't characterized well, there could be

doubts about their size, form, and surface properties, which could change how their

antimicrobial effects are interpreted. The complexity of the human body or the surroundings

where nanoparticles would be used might not be fully reflected in antimicrobial assays done

in vitro. The findings may not be a perfect reflection of how nanoparticles act in the real

world. Evaluating the nanoparticles' antimicrobial activity is important, but it is just as

important to look into how selective they are for microbial cells instead of human cells. To

make sure that nanoparticles can be used safely in medicine, the study should look at their

possible effects on human cells. The study might only look at a small number of

microorganisms, potentially leaving out some clinically important pathogens or strains that

are resistant to antibiotics. This could make it hard to use the results of the study in other

antimicrobial settings. Even though in vitro studies provide useful preliminary information,

the lack of in vivo experiments makes it hard to know how nanoparticles behave inside living

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organisms and what effects they might have on the immune system and general health. For

the study's results to be reliable, the green synthesis process and antibiotic activity results

must be easy to reproduce. If the results were different, it might be hard to use the data in

other studies and situations. Evaluating the antimicrobial activity of Fe2O3 nanoparticles is

important, but comparing their effectiveness with that of other antimicrobial agents or

nanoparticle formulations can help us figure out their possible benefits and drawbacks. The

study might not directly look into whether or not green-synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticles

could be used in medical or environmental uses in the real world. It is important to think

about how stable, portable, and scalable the nanoparticles are if they are to be used outside of

the lab. Even with these problems, it is important to test the antimicrobial activity of green-

synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticles using extracts from certain therapeutic plants. It can help us

figure out how to make nanoparticles in a way that is sustainable and good for the

environment. It can also be used as a starting point for more study to solve problems with

antimicrobials and come up with new ways to treat diseases.

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