Synthesis of iron nanoparticles from aqueous extract of Eucalyptus robusta Sm and evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activity

Abstract & Overview

In this work we obtained iron nanoparticles (FeNP) from the aqueous extract of the leaves of E. robusta and to evaluate their antimicrobial activity on different pathogenic microorganisms. Different concentration of iron salt and leaf extract were used; the proportion of precursor to leaf extract was 1:1. The results reveled dependence on the particle size of FeNP and synthesis conditions. Subsequently, the antimicrobial activity was evaluated against the microorganisms Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, being a close relationship between the conditions of synthesis and the increase or decrease of the antimicrobial activity. Finally, the quantification of flavonoids and total polyphenols was carried out and the antioxidant activity of the E. robusta extract was evaluated, which allowed associating the antimicrobial activity found in the FeNPs with the components present in the extract.