Biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using barberry (Berberis vulgaris) extract and assessment of their physico-chemical properties and antibacterial activities

Abstract

AbstractZinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using barberry (Berberis vulgaris) extract via heating method. The effects of the amount of barberry extract (15–35 ml) and the reaction time (30–90 min) on the antibacterial (clear zone diameter, mm) and antioxidant (%) activities of the synthesized ZnO NPs were investigated by response surface methodology. Main reducing and stabilizing compounds of barberry extract were identified by gas chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Spherical ZnO NPs with an average size of 20 nm were successfully fabricated at optimal synthesis conditions using 35 ml of barberry extract and 30 min reaction time. ZnO NPs were determined to have a zeta potential of –15.3 mV and an antioxidant activity of 28.8%. The antibacterial activity of fabricated ZnO NPs was tested againstStaphylococcus aureusand found to possess significant (p<0.05) inhibitory effect against this microorganism.