Synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles with Cedrus deodara (Deodar)

The singular challenge in modern times for treatment of diseases is antibiotic resistance. Research for new approaches in treatments that are less hazardous, safe and effective for patients is ongoing. Nanoparticles (NPs) have the potential to serve as effective antibiotics in the field of medicine. Treatments that are derived from plants are currently regarded as a more prudent choice because they have fewer or no side effects at all. Nanoparticles derived from plants are considered effective against many dreadful diseases. Cedrus deodara, a plant from Indian Himalayan region has been traditionally used for respiratory diseases. Our study synthesized nanoparticles using the process of Zinc nitrate hexahydrate reduction utilizing crude leaf and bark extract of C. deodara, by the method of combustion at a temperature of 400 °C. Cedrus nanoparticles were further characterized. The structural, morphological and chemical characterization was done by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and particle size analysis (PSA). Additional assays will be carried out to determine antimicrobial potential of C. deodara-nanoparticles against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The NPs synthesized were in the nanoscale and the chemical compounds characterized in the plant NPs were compared with those of standard drugs available and a similarity between the chemical compounds was observed.