Role of Plant‐Derived Macromolecules in the Formation and Stabilization of Ag, CuO, and ZnO Nanoparticles

ABSTRACT

This study presents an environmentally amiable method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO‐NPs), and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) using an aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera seeds as a reducing and capping agent. The biosynthesis was validated through specific color changes and thoroughly characterized using UV–visible studies, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray technique, FESEM‐EDX, and GC–MS. GC–MS analysis identified several biologically active phytochemicals, such as phytol, hexadecanoic acid, oleic acid, and octadecanoic acid, which facilitated the formation and stabilization of the nanoparticles. Characterization showed that the silver nanoparticles were nearly spherical (average size ≈28 nanometers), the single‐crystal copper oxide nanoparticles were ≈35 nanometers, and the hexagonal zinc oxide nanoparticles were ≈42 nanometers. All of them exhibited a consistent shape and good crystallinity. The nanoparticles demonstrated exceptional efficacy as antioxidants in DPPH tests and in reducing power, along with notable antibacterial and antifungal properties against Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Streptococcus , and Candida albicans . The research confirms that the oil palm fungus is an environmentally friendly source for producing multifunctional nanomaterials applicable in biomedical and environmental fields.