Biological synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Corn Silk Extract of Zea mays. Characterization was carried out by spectral and microscopic techniques. Antibacterial activity of the material was carried various bacterial strains in dark and under light. The light induced activity is more as compared to dark using minimum concentration of ZnO.

Abstract

The pathogen-based diseases are prime concern for modern society. Some oxide-based nanomaterials have been found to show promising antimicrobial activities. However, the industrial synthesis of these oxide materials are harmful to environment. Zinc oxide nano-flakes were prepared using corn silk (Zea mays) extract. The material was characterized by spectral and microscopic techniques. XRD data shows rutile structure and nano-crystal size of 36.15 nm. SEM indicates morphology consisting of nano size particles with porous structure. EDX confirms presence of Zn and O. UV-Vis data shows band gap of 3.62 eV. On excitation, PL exhibits a variety of emission bands in visible spectrum. Dielectric properties suggest the dielectric constant has a well-dispersed real and imaginary portion. The ZnO NFs were subjected to antimicrobial activities (in dark and under white light) against various strains like E. coli, K. pneumonia and S. aureus. The light induced antibacterial activity is slightly higher as compared to that in dark. Best part of this study is that minimum concentration of ZnO can be used in presence of light thereby reducing the toxicity to the environment due to these metal oxides. Based on the observed results, this material could be used as multi-dimensional functional material in day-to-day life.