Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Opuntia ficus indica Fruit Aqueous Extract

Zinc Oxide nanoparticles were green synthesized by Opuntia ficus indica fruit aqueous extract. The phytochemicals present in the plant extract act as reducing and stabilizing agents. SEM and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used to study the surface morphology and optical properties. Light brown colored Zinc Oxide nanoparticles exhibit an absorption band at 445 nm due to the surface plasmon resonance. The presence of phytochemicals in the synthesized compounds was confirmed by FTIR and EDX. XRD analysis revealed the average particle size as 21.75 nm. It was found that the size of nanoparticle decreased with increase in temperature; also it was smaller in green synthesis than in chemical method. SEM images show aggregated groups of smaller nanoparticles. The sample shows better antibacterial activity.