Green Synthesis of Ag Nanoparticle-Decorated MgO Microspheres by Curcuma xantorrizha Extract and Its Potential Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

Abstract Water pollution caused by bacteria is a significant global environmental issue that can pose serious risks to public health and ecological systems. Developing high-activity antibacterial agents is therefore crucial. This study describes the eco-friendly synthesis of Ag nanoparticle-decorated MgO microspheres, using C. xanthorrhiza extract as a reducing agent, without the use of stabilizers or surfactants. The Ag nanoparticles immobilized on the MgO microsphere support were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The Ag/MgO microspheres exhibited antibacterial properties against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The findings suggest that Ag nanoparticle-decorated MgO microspheres could be a promising alternative for treating bacteria-contaminated wastewater, owing to their ease of preparation, low cost, environmentally friendly nature, and high antibacterial activity.