GREEN SYNTHESIS OF MAGNESIUM OXIDE NANOPARTICLES MEDIATED FROM ANNONA SQUAMOSA EXTRACT AND ITS ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

Abstract

Background: Nanotechnology has emerged as one of the most rapidly developing fields in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences. Among various
nanomaterials, magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) have gained significant attention because of their unique physicochemical and biological properties.
Green synthesis methods using medicinal plants are increasingly preferred over conventional chemical methods due to their eco-friendly, non-toxic, costeffective, and sustainable nature. Annona squamosa, commonly known as custard apple or sugar apple, possesses numerous medicinal properties including
antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, and anticancer activities. Aim: The present study aimed to synthesize magnesium
oxide nanoparticles using Annona squamosa extract through a green synthesis approach and evaluate their antimicrobial activity against selected bacterial and
fungal pathogens. Materials and Methods: Fresh leaves of Annona squamosa were collected, washed, shade dried, and powdered. Aqueous extract of the plant
was prepared and used for the synthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Visible spectroscopy
and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using agar well diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus,
Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Results: The successful synthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles was confirmed by UV–
Visible spectroscopy through characteristic absorption peaks. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of functional groups responsible for reduction and stabilization
of nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms. Maximum zone of inhibition was
observed against Candida albicans followed by Enterococcus faecalis. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that Annona squamosa mediated magnesium
oxide nanoparticles possess promising antimicrobial activity. The eco-friendly synthesis method and significant biological activity suggest potential biomedical
applications of the synthesized nanoparticles.