Green synthesis of MgO nanoparticles using Moringa oleifera leaf aqueous extract for antibacterial activity

Abstract

Nanoparticle fabrication using plant extracts is an important alternative method because it is non-toxic, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly. In this study, green synthesis of MgO nanoparticles using Moringa oleifera leaf water extracts was conducted by mixing the extract and a solution of magnesium chloride. The product was characterized using different techniques, i.e. UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The UV-Vis spectrum of MgO nanoparticles shows an absorption at 280 nm. The size of the synthesized MgO nanoparticles ranges from 20-50 nm. The antibacterial activity of MgO nanoparticles was seen from the zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (6.3 mm) and against Escherichia coli (6 mm). MgO nanoparticles have been successfully fabricated using Moringa oleifera leaf aqueous extracts, providing an alternative method for synthesizing MgO nanoparticles.                     KEY WORDS: Antibacterial activity, Escherchia coli, MgO nanoparticles, Moringa oleifera, Staphylococcus aureus   Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(1), 161-170. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i1.14