مقالات پذیرفته شده در نهمین کنگره بین المللی زیست پزشکی
Some biological effects of green nanosynthesis: zinc nanoparticles coated with Moringa oleifera extract
Some biological effects of green nanosynthesis: zinc nanoparticles coated with Moringa oleifera extract
Jina Khayatzadeh,1,*Fatemeh Amirabadi,2
1. Department of Biology, Ma.C., Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran 2. Department of Biology, Ma.C., Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
Introduction: Moringa oleifera (MO), a plant from the Moringaceae family, is a major crop in Asia and Africa. Moringa oleifera has been studied for its health-promoting properties, which are attributed to its multiple bioactive components, including vitamins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, isothiocyanates, tannins, and saponins, which are present in significant amounts in various parts of the plant. The leaves of Moringa oleifera have been the most extensively studied and have demonstrated benefits in several chronic diseases, including hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes, insulin resistance, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cancer, and general inflammation. Overall, it has been well established that Moringa oleifera leaves represent an effective strategy for managing diseases associated with cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, cancer, and fatty liver.
Zinc oxide (ZnO) is an essential material found in many enzymes, sunscreens, and anti-itch or pain-relief ointments. Its microcrystals, due to their wide band gap, are highly efficient light absorbers in the UVA and UVB regions. The effects of zinc oxide on biological functions depend on its morphology, particle size, exposure time, concentration, pH, and biocompatibility. ZnO is effective against microorganisms such as Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Staphylococcus aureus, Sarcina lutea, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas vulgaris, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. Its mechanism of action has been attributed to the activation of ZnO nanoparticles by light, allowing them to penetrate bacterial cell walls via diffusion. SEM and TEM images of bacterial cells indicate that ZnO nanoparticles disrupt the cell membrane and accumulate in the cytoplasm, where they interact with biomolecules, inducing apoptosis and ultimately leading to cell death.
Nanotechnology has emerged over recent decades as one of the most advanced fields in science and engineering. ZnO nanoparticles, due to their unique properties such as high surface-to-volume ratio, chemical stability, antibacterial activity, and potential applications in drug delivery and catalysis, have attracted considerable attention.
Green synthesis using plant extracts is an eco-friendly approach that enhances the biological properties of nanoparticles. Moringa oleifera, due to its phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant compounds, acts as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ZnO nanoparticles coated with Moringa oleifera extract on antibacterial and antioxidant activities, wound healing, and chick growth.
Methods: Materials and Methods
Preparation of Moringa oleifera Extract
2.8 g of dried Moringa oleifera leaf powder was dissolved in 100 mL of deionized water and heated on a hot plate at 90 °C with continuous stirring for 1 hour. After cooling, the extract was filtered through filter paper and stored at 4 °C.
Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles
4.5 g of zinc acetate dihydrate (Zn(CH₃CO₂)₂·2H₂O) was dissolved in 100 mL of deionized water to prepare a 0.25 M Zn stock solution. The Moringa extract was then added to the solution, and the synthesis process continued until ZnO nanoparticles coated with Moringa oleifera extract were formed.
Results: Results and Discussion
Characterization
ZnO nanoparticles coated with Moringa oleifera extract exhibited a spherical morphology, were stable, and had an average size ranging from 25 to 47.2 nm. UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, and SEM/EDX confirmed that the Moringa extract coating enhanced the stability and uniform morphology of the nanoparticles.
Antibacterial Activity
The zone of inhibition in the disc diffusion assay was measured as follows:
E. coli: 22 mm
S. aureus: 21 mm
MRSA: 17 mm
Enhancement of Antioxidant Enzyme Activity
Treatment with the nanoparticles increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX).
Conclusion: Conclusion
ZnO nanoparticles coated with Moringa oleifera extract exhibited appropriate morphology, high stability, and significant bioactivity. They are proposed as a green, sustainable, and multifunctional tool for applications in biological sciences, medicine, and nutrition.