BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF ZINC NANOPARTICLES USING Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) EXTRACTS

Abstract

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative tool in the field of biomedical and agricultural sciences. Zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) are particularly noted for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and biocompatible properties. Green synthesis of ZnNPs using plant extracts provides an eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical synthesis. Medicago sativa (alfalfa), rich in flavonoids, saponins, and polyphenols, presents an ideal biological agent for nanoparticle synthesis and stabilization. This study investigates the biological activity of ZnNPs synthesized using alfalfa extracts.

Methods:Aqueous extracts of Medicago sativa leaves were used to reduce zinc nitrate to ZnNPs via a green synthesis approach. The biological action of the synthesized ZnNPs was evaluated through antimicrobial assays (against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria), antioxidant capacity (DPPH assay), and cytotoxicity using MTT assay on selected cell lines.

Results:The biosynthesized ZnNPs were predominantly spherical and measured between 20–50 nm in diameter. FTIR confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds from alfalfa acting as capping agents. The ZnNPs exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, especially against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Antioxidant assays revealed strong free radical scavenging activity. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated moderate biocompatibility at lower concentrations, suggesting potential for biomedical applications.

Conclusion:Zinc nanoparticles synthesized using Medicago sativa extracts exhibit promising biological activities, including antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The green synthesis method is cost-effective, sustainable, and biocompatible, highlighting the potential of alfalfa-mediated ZnNPs in pharmaceutical and agricultural applications.