Green Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activities of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Bitter Leaf (vernonia Amygdalina) Extracts.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) has broad applications in various areas. Green synthesis is an alternative to conventional physical and chemical methods. Green synthesis of nanoparticles is gaining importance due to its cost-effectiveness, reduction of toxic chemicals and extensive antimicrobial activity. In this study, synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using plant extract, bitter leaf (vernonia amygdalina) was conducted which serve as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesized ZnO NPs were evaluated for their purity, particle size, morphological structure, using UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope analysis. However, the nanoparticles found to be nearly flat and plain and some few sphere in shape. non- uniform distribution and agglomeration of nanoparticles was observed. The obtained nanoparticles were found to exhibit good antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia Coli, utilizing disc diffusion method and results shows that zinc oxide nanoparticles possess significant antimicrobial efficacy. Plant-based green synthesized ZnO NPs possess small sized particles, enhances the good antimicrobial effect. This research leads to develop a new way of cost-effective synthesis and reducing usage of chemicals in further studies.