Precursor Chemistry and Antimicrobial Performance: A Green Synthesis Approach to the Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Ndidiamaka Hannah Okorie
Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani 402004, Nigeria.
Goodnews Onyedikachi Ikeh *
Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani 402004, Nigeria.
Cyril Chekwube Adonu
Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani 402004, Nigeria.
Chigozie Peace Okorie
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Romanus Chijioke Omeh
Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani 402004, Nigeria.
Anthony Kelechi Nwangwu
Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani 402004, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The increasing emphasis on sustainable nanotechnology has propelled the development of green synthesis methodologies for nanoparticle production. This study investigates the impact of precursor chemistry on the nucleation and growth of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized via a green route utilizing Ocimum gratissimum leaf extracts. We examined three zinc precursors—zinc nitrate, zinc sulphate, and zinc acetate—to elucidate their influence on the physicochemical properties of the resulting ZnO NPs vis-vis their antimicrobial properties. The nanoparticles were treated to characterization approach, including structural, morphological, optical, and surface analyses, and a direct correlation between precursor selection and nanoparticle attributes was established. The findings demonstrate that precursor solubility and the nature of the anionic species significantly affect zinc ion availability, nucleation kinetics, and nanoparticle morphology. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of controlled green synthesis, enabling the tailored production of ZnO NPs for various applications.
Keywords: Green synthesis, controlled green synthesis, precursor chemistry, ZnO nanoparticles, antimicrobial activities