Characterization and Antibacterial Potential of Tithonia diversifolia Extract and Its Iron II Nanoparticles

Abstract

Several plants worldwide have exhibited potentiality in human pathogen eradication. The aim of this work was to characterize the compounds and determine antibacterial efficiency of Tithonia diversifolia essential oils and its iron II nanoparticles. The experimental test was done against gram positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) and gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Characterization of the compounds was done using UV-VIS and FTIR to determine the functional groups that are present. Antibacterial activity was done using disc diffusion method by Beer Lambert. The results obtained indicated that the crude extract at 0.1% v/v concentration was effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus only, while the complexed sample was significantly effective against all microbes under test at the corresponding concentration. The outcome showed comparable results to the positive controls used and therefore, the plant extract was effective against human disease causing microbes and is recommendable for use against them.