Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Activity of Plant- Mediated MgO Nanoparticles Using Mucuna Pruriens L. Seed Extract and Their Biological Evaluation

Development of green and efficient procedures for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticleshas emerged as a significant topic in the field of nanotechnology. In this respect, using naturalresources,especially plant extract has attracted lots of attention; plant extract is a promisingalternative to traditional and chemical techniques. The plant Mucuna pruriens L. contains highconcentration of L-dopa in the seeds; it has been used as a nerve tonic for nervous systemdisorders including Parkinson’s disease. In this work, a rapid and efficient synthesis of stablemagnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) using aqueous extract of Mucuna pruriens seedswere reported. The biologically synthesized MgO NPs were characterized by UV–Visible andFourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning andtransmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). The potential of MgO nanoparticles in thedegeneration of methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) dyes were assessed in differentconditions. The results of these investigations showed that the synthesized MgO NPs havea good catalytic activity in the removal of both dyes. Biological study of biosynthesized MgONPs showed moderate antibacterial property against four strains of bacteria and a very goodantioxidant activity.