Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles via Green Synthesis: Insights into Antimicrobial, Antifungal and Dye Degradation Potentials

Abstract

Alternanthera sessilis aqueous extract was utilized to synthesize nickel oxide nanoparticles through a biological route that is simple and cost-effective. The leaves of A. sessilis, consumed as a vegetable, are renowned for their numerous health benefits. They are believed to promote hair growth, aid digestion, reduce inflammation, relieve joint pain, improve eyesight, and help treat conditions like leucorrhoea, diarrhea, skin diseases, fever, dyspepsia, and night blindness. This extract aids in preventing agglomeration and acts as a capping agent. The nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs) were characterized using photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra, recorded with a Shimadzu RF-5301 PC spectrofluorometer. Additionally, UV-visible spectroscopy was employed to obtain absorbance spectra, confirming the formation of NiONPs. X-ray techniques were also used to analyze other properties of the synthesized nanoparticles. Additionally, the synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, antifungal activity against Candida albicans, and dye-reduction efficiency against Rhodamine B and Methylene Blue. The results indicate their potential as effective agents for antimicrobial, antifungal, and dye-removal applications.