STRUCTURAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ZINC NANOPARTICLES SYNTHESIZED USING URGINEA INDICA KUNTH (WILD ONION) EXTRACT
Abstract
This study demonstrates a green, plant-mediated synthesis protocol for zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) using a hydroethanolic bulb extract of Urginea indica Kunth (Wild Onion) as a biogenic template for metal ion reduction and capping. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) characterization of the extract revealed a diverse spectrum of bio-functional secondary metabolites—including phenolics, flavonoids, and glycosidic derivatives—acting as key reducing and surface-passivating agents. Optical verification via Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy exhibited a prominent absorption maximum at 288–290 nm, confirming the biogenic nucleation of zinc-based nanostructures. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis verified the polycrystalline phase structure of the ZnNPs with dominant reflection orientation at 2θ= 32.50. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) revealed predominantly spherical to quasi-spherical nanoparticles forming porous, high-surface-area aggregates, with individual particle widths measuring 0.28–0.30 nm. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and elemental mapping confirmed high elemental purity, with zinc comprising 77.3 wt% alongside trace plant-derived nitrogen, sulfur, magnesium, and copper. This bio-template method provides an eco-friendly and scalable platform for synthesizing functional zinc nanomaterials, offering substantial utility for future downstream molecular applications, including bio-imaging, antimicrobial resistance mitigation, targeted drug delivery, and agricultural genetic enhancements.