BIOSYNTHESIS OF ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES USING SWEET POTATO PEEL EXTRACT (Ipomea batata) AND IT’S ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECTS

Abstract

This study focuses on the biosynthesis of silver nitrate (AgNps) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using sweet potato peel extract. The aim of the research is to develop a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach for the green synthesis of ZnO NPs, overcoming the limitations of conventional methods. The specific objectives include the extraction and characterization of bioactive components from sweet potato peels, characterization of the synthesized AgNps and Znps using UV- spectrophotometer and assessment of the antifungal activity of the nanoparticles. The sweet potato peel extract proved to be an effective reducing and stabilizing agent for the synthesis of ZnO NPs and Ag NPs. Proximate analysis was done and the values obtained ranges from 0.88% which was the lowest recorded value at lipid Concentra to about 90% which was the highest value recorded at dry Matter. Phytochemical analysis of the sweet potato peel extract revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as phenols, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids, and steroids. The values obtained from the result for the phytochemical analysis ranges from 0.120482 mg/l which was the lowest recorded for saponin to 10.19391mg/l which was the highest recorded value for flavonoid. These compounds are known to possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, and other beneficial properties, suggesting their involvement in the biosynthesis and stabilization of the nanoparticles. Antifungal activity assessment demonstrated the potential of the synthesized nanoparticles as effective antifungal agents as the nanoparticles were treated against Aspergillus sp isolated.. ZnO NPs exhibited potential higher inhibitory effects against isolated fungal pathogens compared to Ag NPs. These findings indicate that the biosynthesized nanoparticles could serve as eco-friendly alternatives for controlling fungal infections. This study recommend that further research should explore the utilization of other waste biomass sources for the synthesis of nanoparticles, contributing so as to contribute to waste management and sustainable nanomaterial production