Multifunctional ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Spirodela polyrhiza Extract: Characterization, Photocatalytic Activity, Antimicrobial Assessment, and In Silico Modeling

This study investigates the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using the aqueous extract of the aquatic plant Spirodela polyrhiza (greater duckweed) and evaluates their multifunctional properties. The ZnO NPs were synthesized via a sustainable method and characterized using UV-vis...

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Main Authors: Azmat Ali Khan, Annu Yadav, Sudhakar Bansod, Azhar U. Khan, Nirmala Kumari Jangid, Mahboob Alam
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-01-01
Series:Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/bca/5541535
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author Azmat Ali Khan
Annu Yadav
Sudhakar Bansod
Azhar U. Khan
Nirmala Kumari Jangid
Mahboob Alam
author_facet Azmat Ali Khan
Annu Yadav
Sudhakar Bansod
Azhar U. Khan
Nirmala Kumari Jangid
Mahboob Alam
author_sort Azmat Ali Khan
collection DOAJ
description This study investigates the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using the aqueous extract of the aquatic plant Spirodela polyrhiza (greater duckweed) and evaluates their multifunctional properties. The ZnO NPs were synthesized via a sustainable method and characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, TEM, FESEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD analyses. UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed the formation of ZnO NPs with a characteristic absorption peak at ∼349 nm. TEM and FESEM analyses revealed spherical and nonspherical particles ranging from 20 to 70 nm. The antimicrobial activity of ZnO NPs was assessed against three bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis) and three fungal strains (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Candida albicans). Notably, B. subtilis showed a maximum inhibition zone of 18 mm at 100 mg/mL, while A. niger exhibited the highest antifungal response with a zone of 22 mm and an activity index (AI) of 1.15, indicating comparable or superior activity to ketoconazole at higher concentrations. Molecular docking simulations using the crystal structure of B. subtilis YmaH (Hfq) protein (PDB ID: 3HSB) revealed strong noncovalent interactions with Zn atoms of the NPs, particularly involving HIS57 and LEU26 residues. Additionally, ZnO NPs demonstrated a noteworthy photocatalytic degradation (90.4%) of methylene blue dye under sunlight exposure. These results highlight the potential of S. polyrhiza-mediated ZnO NPs for use in antimicrobial therapies and environmental remediation applications.
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spelling doaj-art-85d969bb702645da8e46b354f6cdb6532025-08-20T02:41:43ZengWileyBioinorganic Chemistry and Applications1687-479X2025-01-01202510.1155/bca/5541535Multifunctional ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Spirodela polyrhiza Extract: Characterization, Photocatalytic Activity, Antimicrobial Assessment, and In Silico ModelingAzmat Ali Khan0Annu Yadav1Sudhakar Bansod2Azhar U. Khan3Nirmala Kumari Jangid4Mahboob Alam5Pharmaceutical Biotechnology LaboratoryDepartment of ChemistryFluoro-Agro Chemicals DepartmentSchool of Life and Basic SciencesDepartment of ChemistryDepartment of Safety EngineeringThis study investigates the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using the aqueous extract of the aquatic plant Spirodela polyrhiza (greater duckweed) and evaluates their multifunctional properties. The ZnO NPs were synthesized via a sustainable method and characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, TEM, FESEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD analyses. UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed the formation of ZnO NPs with a characteristic absorption peak at ∼349 nm. TEM and FESEM analyses revealed spherical and nonspherical particles ranging from 20 to 70 nm. The antimicrobial activity of ZnO NPs was assessed against three bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis) and three fungal strains (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Candida albicans). Notably, B. subtilis showed a maximum inhibition zone of 18 mm at 100 mg/mL, while A. niger exhibited the highest antifungal response with a zone of 22 mm and an activity index (AI) of 1.15, indicating comparable or superior activity to ketoconazole at higher concentrations. Molecular docking simulations using the crystal structure of B. subtilis YmaH (Hfq) protein (PDB ID: 3HSB) revealed strong noncovalent interactions with Zn atoms of the NPs, particularly involving HIS57 and LEU26 residues. Additionally, ZnO NPs demonstrated a noteworthy photocatalytic degradation (90.4%) of methylene blue dye under sunlight exposure. These results highlight the potential of S. polyrhiza-mediated ZnO NPs for use in antimicrobial therapies and environmental remediation applications.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/bca/5541535
spellingShingle Azmat Ali Khan
Annu Yadav
Sudhakar Bansod
Azhar U. Khan
Nirmala Kumari Jangid
Mahboob Alam
Multifunctional ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Spirodela polyrhiza Extract: Characterization, Photocatalytic Activity, Antimicrobial Assessment, and In Silico Modeling
Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications
title Multifunctional ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Spirodela polyrhiza Extract: Characterization, Photocatalytic Activity, Antimicrobial Assessment, and In Silico Modeling
title_full Multifunctional ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Spirodela polyrhiza Extract: Characterization, Photocatalytic Activity, Antimicrobial Assessment, and In Silico Modeling
title_fullStr Multifunctional ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Spirodela polyrhiza Extract: Characterization, Photocatalytic Activity, Antimicrobial Assessment, and In Silico Modeling
title_full_unstemmed Multifunctional ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Spirodela polyrhiza Extract: Characterization, Photocatalytic Activity, Antimicrobial Assessment, and In Silico Modeling
title_short Multifunctional ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Spirodela polyrhiza Extract: Characterization, Photocatalytic Activity, Antimicrobial Assessment, and In Silico Modeling
title_sort multifunctional zno nanoparticles synthesized using spirodela polyrhiza extract characterization photocatalytic activity antimicrobial assessment and in silico modeling
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/bca/5541535
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