In the heart of Nigeria, researchers are harnessing the power of local flora to revolutionize the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), with potential implications for the energy sector and beyond. Dr. Omolara Olusola Oluwaniyi, a chemist at the University of Ilorin, has led a groundbreaking study that uses extracts from the leaf and fruit of Dennettia tripetala, commonly known as the pepper fruit, to produce ZnONPs through a green, eco-friendly process.
The pepper fruit, a staple in West African cuisine, has long been valued for its medicinal properties. Now, it’s finding a new purpose in the lab. “We were inspired by the rich phytochemical content of Dennettia tripetala,” Oluwaniyi explains. “We believed that these compounds could facilitate the synthesis of ZnONPs in a green and sustainable manner.”
The research, published in Nano Select, details how the team mixed zinc acetate dihydrate solution with ethanolic extracts from the pepper fruit’s leaves and fruits. The resulting color change signaled the formation of ZnONPs. By varying factors like pH, temperature, and metal ion concentration, the team optimized the yield of nanoparticles.
The synthesized ZnONPs were characterized using various techniques. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy revealed surface plasmon resonance peaks, confirming the presence of ZnONPs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed spherical and rod-like shaped nanoparticles, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated their crystalline nature. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy provided insights into the functional groups present in the synthesized ZnONPs.
But the real excitement lies in the biological activities of these nanoparticles. The ZnONPs exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, with the maximum zone of inhibition measuring 18.07 mm for those synthesized from leaf extract and 17.14 mm for those from fruit extract. Moreover, the nanoparticles showed promising antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 227.18 µg/mL and 201.21 µg/mL, respectively. The cytotoxic effect of ZnONPs was also found to be concentration-dependent.
So, how might this research shape future developments? The energy sector, in particular, could benefit greatly. ZnONPs are already used in solar cells, and their enhanced properties could lead to more efficient and cost-effective solar energy solutions. Furthermore, their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties could be harnessed to improve the longevity and performance of energy infrastructure.
Oluwaniyi envisions a future where green synthesis methods like hers become the norm. “We’re not just creating nanoparticles,” she says. “We’re paving the way for a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to nanotechnology.”
As the world grapples with climate change and resource depletion, such innovations are not just welcome—they’re necessary. This research is a testament to the power of local knowledge and resources, and a beacon of hope for a greener, more sustainable future.
