Carboxymethylcellulose stabilized ZnO nanoparticles: an efficient nano-nutrient for the growth and development of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds

In the present study, carboxymethyl cellulose-capped ZnO nanoparticles (CMC@ZnO NPs) have been synthesized using the co-precipitation method where the CMC behaved as a stabilizing and capping agent. The synthesis of CMC@ZnO NPs has been confirmed by UV–visible, HR-TEM, FTIR, SEM, and XRD analyses. The SEM study revealed that particles were long, cylindrical, and oblong with a rice grain-like morphology. TEM analysis showed that CMC@ZnO NPs have an average particle size of ̴ 10 nm. The synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated to study their influence on the germination and growth of the root and shoot of the Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) plant seedling. It was found that the minimal concentration of 0.50 mg/L of CMC@ZnO NPs was efficient in exhibiting enhanced growth in contrast to the control. According to the results, CMC@ZnO NPs could enter the plant cell via the roots and were quickly assimilated by the plants, resulting in increased growth.