Microwave synthesis of nanoparticles and their antifungal activities

Abstract

Microwave assisted approach was adopted for obtaining copper (II) oxide and Iron (III) oxide nanoparticles using leaves extract of Euphorbia helioscopia. Tanins component extracted from Euphorbia helioscopia were responsible for the formation of stable nanoscopic particles. Nanoparticles of iron and copper oxide was characterized using powder X-ray Diffractometer (PXRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). PXRD result confirmed the formation of α-phase and monoclinic iron and copper oxide nanoparticles respectively. Nanoparticles of iron and copper oxide were of spherical shape with average diameter in range of 7-10 nm. Antifungal potential of fabricated oxide nanoparticles was tested using Cladosporium herbarum as role model fungus. Iron oxide nanoparticles exhibit greater antifungal activities against the Cladosporium herbarum as compared to copper oxide nanoparticles.

Keywords: Environmentally benign; Microwave heating; Nanoscale.