Green Synthesis of ZnO–TiO₂ Nanoparticles Using Allium ampeloprasum (Kurrat) Extract and Their Antibacterial Activity

Abstract

The potential of nanotechnology in medical applications, particularly for infection treatment, is increasingly recognized. This study synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using a green method, using Allium ampeloprasum (kurrat) plant extract as a reducing agent. These ZnO NPs were subsequently used to fabricate ZnO–TiO₂ core–shell nanoparticles. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method. Results revealed notable antibacterial effects: Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) exhibited a 25 mm inhibition zone, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative) showed a 20 mm inhibition zone at 100 μg/mL concentration. The nanoparticles were characterized using FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, EDX, and AFM. FTIR spectra confirmed core–shell formation at 813.90–613.32 cm⁻¹. UV–Vis analysis indicated absorption peaks at 260 nm for ZnO NPs and 300 nm for ZnO–TiO₂ NPs. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of zinc, titanium, and oxygen with no detectable impurities. AFM revealed an average diameter of 46.74 nm for ZnO NPs and 148.9 nm for ZnO–TiO₂ core–shell NPs. These green-synthesized nanoparticles exhibit promising antibacterial properties, supporting their potential in biomedical applications.