Comparative Study of the Synthesis of Silver, Copper, and Iron oxide Nanoparticles via Chemical and Green Methods Using Corn Bract for Enhanced Antibacterial Activity

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions in nanotechnology highlights the importance of exploring novel methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Metal nanoparticles have unique properties and are particularly significant in addressing antimicrobial resistance and environmental challenges. This study aimed to synthesize silver, copper, and iron nanoparticles from waste corn bract using chemical and green synthesis methods and evaluate their antibacterial properties. Corn bract extract was prepared and used as a reducing and stabilizing agent in green synthesis, while the comparison was done by conventional chemical methods. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, and SEM, and their antibacterial activity was tested against Gram-positive (Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus sp.) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas sp.) bacteria through the well diffusion method. The green-synthesized silver nanoparticles exhibited the highest antibacterial efficacy, especially against Pseudomonas sp. and E. coli, followed by copper and iron nanoparticles. Phytochemicals in corn bract extract enhanced the stability and bioactivity of green-synthesized nanoparticles, as confirmed by FTIR analysis. The results of this investigation underscore the capabilities of agricultural waste in facilitating sustainable nanoparticle production, wherein green synthesis provides enhanced antibacterial attributes in comparison to traditional chemical approaches. This research emphasizes the significance of nanoparticles synthesized through green methods in addressing antimicrobial resistance and highlights their role as a scalable and environmentally sustainable option for generating effective antimicrobial agents.