Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• A. Ferin Fathima
• R. Jothi Mani
• K. Sakthipandi

Abstract

Zn_0.98Fe_0.01Au_0.01O and Zn_0.98Co_0.01Au_0.01O nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized via poly ethylene glycol assisted route. The average crystallite size of Zn_0.98Fe_0.01Au_0.01O and Zn_0.98Co_0.01Au_0.01O NPs were estimated from X-ray diffraction results and the values are 31.38 nm and 36.14 nm respectively. The UV absorption spectra confirmed the formation of the NPs with the characteristic peaks at 374 and 366 nm respectively. This spectral observation indicates that the band gap of ZnO nanoparticles decreases by doping iron/gold and cobalt/gold nanoparticles. The morphology and elemental composition of Zn_0.98Fe_0.01Au_0.01O and Zn_0.98Co_0.01Au_0.01O NPs were investigated. The antifungal activity of synthesized Zn_0.98Fe_0.01Au_0.01O and Zn_0.98Co_0.01Au_0.01O NPs were found against four postharvest pathogenic fungi like Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus microsporus and Pencillium sp. The doping of iron and gold in ZnO nanoparticles enhances the zone of inhibition for the fungal pathogens compared to pure ZnO nanoparticles. Antifungal activity of Zn_0.98Fe_0.01Au_0.01O and Zn_0.98Co_0.01Au_0.01O nanoparticles were higher when compared with standard antibiotic mycostatin whose zone of inhibition is 18 mm against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus microsporus and Pencillium sp.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

• Gold nanoparticles
• structural properties
• optical properties
• Antifungal Activity
• Aspergillus niger
• Aspergillus flavus
• Rhizopus
• Pencillium sp