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Himalayan Fern Cheilanthes bicolor Mediated Fabrication and Characterization of Iron Nanoparticles with Antimicrobial Potential

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Abstract

The green synthesis of nano-powders assumes great significance because of its high applicability and synthesis under ambient conditions via an amalgamation of plant-derived extracts. The formulation of small-sized iron particles using relatively underexplored curative fern Cheilanthes bicolor extract was investigated. The derivation of fern components was worked out, and anti-microbial efficacy was determined. This fern is rich in numerous phytochemicals like phenol, tannins, and reducing sugars which contributed in the generation of nano-iron particles. The effects of several decisive factors led to the optimal synthesis of the desired particles. The size, magnetic behavior, and physical aspects were elucidated by methods like UV–VIS spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The findings revealed that the nanoparticles were amorphous in shape with an average size of 40–60 nm. These particles were tested against microorganisms and ultimately revealed their potency against diverse microflora. These iron nanoparticles demonstrated anti-microbial efficacy and displayed a MIC value of 6.25 µg/ml and 3.125 µg/ml against clinal pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are highly thankful to the Honourable Vice-Chancellor, Prof. P. K. Khosla, for the necessary facilities to carry out this research work.

Funding

This work was supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India (Grant No.: SB/YS/LS-19/2013).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Life Sciences (Botany), Manipur University, Imphal, India

    Amit Seth

  2. Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University, Bajhol, Solan, India

    Ena Devi, Kiran Thakur & Chandrika Attri

  3. Department of Physics, Himachal Pradesh University, Summer Hill, Shimla, India

    Vijay Singh, Ayesha Bhandari & Mahavir Singh

  4. Department of Biosciences, Himachal Pradesh University, Summer Hill, Shimla, India

    M. K. Seth

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Seth, A., Devi, E., Thakur, K. et al. Himalayan Fern Cheilanthes bicolor Mediated Fabrication and Characterization of Iron Nanoparticles with Antimicrobial Potential. BioNanoSci. 12, 486–495 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12668-022-00969-z

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