Structural Characterization, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Assay of Biogenically Synthesized Maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) Nanoparticles

Abstract

Aims: The present study focused on the optical and morphological characterization, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the biogenically synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles.  Methods: The preliminary phytochemical screening was done for the leaf extract of Annona reticulate L. The leaf extract and Ferrous Sulphate heptahydrate were used to synthesize the iron oxide nanoparticles under room temperature. The determination of antioxidant activity was done using DPPH free radical scavenging assay and the determination of antimicrobial activity using disc diffusion method. Results: The UV-visible spectra showed the sharp absorption peak at 278 nm. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy studies revealed the role of phytochemical constituents in the leaf extract for the iron oxide nanoparticles formation.  X-ray diffraction pattern showed the presence of γ phase of Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscope analysis showed the moderately spherical morphology of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles and Energy-dispersive X-ray peaks showed the presence of iron and oxygen in the synthesized nanoparticles.  Particle size analysis showed that the synthesized γ-Fe2O3possessed an average size of 115.9 nm. Conclusion: The synthesized γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles have potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.