A novel synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using various carbohydrate sources and its antimicrobial effects

Abstract In the present study, ZnONPs were synthesized using various carbohydrates sources such as maltose, dextrose, and fructose extract for the first time by precipitation method. The various carbohydrates sources act as efficient, reducing as well as stabilizing agents. The biologically synthesized Zinc oxide nanoparticles were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), UV–visible spectrophotometer (UV), Fourier Transmission Infrared Spectra (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Zeta Potential and Particle Size analysis. The UV results indicated the formation of ZnONPs around 200–400 nm. FTIR studies showed the presence of various functional groups responsible for the synthesis of ZnONPs. Morphological analysis using SEM revealed the spherical and cube-shaped structures of the ZnONPs. XRD analysis revealed the high crystalline nature of the synthesized nanomaterials. Zeta potential showed the high stability of the nanomaterials synthesized. In order to determine the antimicrobial activity, the synthesized ZnONPs were treated against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterobacter aerogenes, and the results showed high activity of ZnONPs synthesized from fructose. The study highlighted the high antimicrobial activity of biologically synthesized ZnONPs.