Biosynthesis and In Vitro Antioxidant Activities of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles with Turkish oregano (Origanum onites L.) Extract

Abstract

Plant-mediated biosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) occurs via biomolecules containing organic functional groups found in the plant. The aim of the study was to characterize and evaluate the antioxidant properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized from Turkish oregano (Origanum onites L.), a traditional endemic plant. Some characteristic properties of ZnO NPs were determined by using the methods that ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). UV–vis absorption peak of ZnO NPs observed at about 356 nm. Spherical shaped and nano-sized Zn ONPs has been detected by SEM. EDX analysis revealed that zinc is the primary constituent (50.69 %) with strong peaks at 1 keV. The average crystallite size of ZnO NPs has been showed at 30 nm by x-ray diffractometer. Antioxidant activity was investigated using a DPPH free radical quenching assay ZnO NPs demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity by scavenging 42.07%. Ultimately, the study shows that phyto-fabricated ZnO NPs were successfully synthesized and have a reasonable antioxidant effect.