LAUSR

Abstract Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using plant extracts provides an eco-friendly and promising substitute to the conventional methods of chemical synthesis. The present study focuses on the fabrication of nano-sized ZnO particles by using zinc oxide as a precursor molecule and leaf extract of Cinnamomum Tamala as a reducing and capping agent. The morphology and structural properties of these concocted ZnO NPs were characterized by UV–Visible (UV–Vis) Spectrophotometry, Zeta Potential analysis, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) analysis and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy. The nanoparticles have a particle size of 26.57 nm and were in the hexagonal wurtzite phase which was confirmed by XRD analysis. Zeta potential analysis confirmed the moderate stability of the nanoparticles and SEM analysis confirmed that the nanoparticles were spherical and hexagonal in shape. The antibacterial properties of the nanoparticle against Staphylococcus aureus were studied by broth dilution method, protein leakage analysis, membrane stability analysis, and growth curve analysis on selected bacterial species. The results showed time and concentration-dependent reduction in bacterial growth by leakage of intracellular proteins and cellular contents due to membrane damage. This method of synthesis of ZnO NPs from Cinnamomum Tamala is simple, eco-friendly, cost-effective and convenient and, therefore, is expected to have applications in bio-remediation, drug deliveries, catalysis, and other medical fields.