Production of Ag and ZnO Nanoparticles Using Morinda citrifolia Extract and Comparison of Their Antibacterial Study of Nanoparticle-impregnated Jean Fabric

Morinda citrifolia commonly called as Noni belongs to Rubiaceae family was used for synthesis of Ag and ZnO nanoparticles using green synthesis method. Morinda citrifolia (Noni) fruit juice is used as medicine for several diseases such as arthritis, diabetics, high blood pressure, muscle aches and pains, menstrual problems, headaches, heart diseases, AIDS, cancer, gastric ulcers, sprains, mental depression, senility, poor digestion, atherosclerosis, blood vessel problems and drug addiction. Noni has unique medicinal properties which help in normalization of abnormally functioning cells by delivering the bio-chemical nutrients. Noni fresh fruits obtained from the trees present in the campus of GITAM, Visakhapatnam, India. Synthesized Ag and ZnO nanoparticles have been applied on to jean fabric by dip and cure method. Nanoparticles were characterized by different methods such as UV- VISIBLE, FTIR, SEM, EDS, TEM and a comparative study of antimicrobial activity were done. The development of colour change in the nanoparticles was confirmed by UV – Spectroscopy. Identification of functional groups in fruit which was responsible for reduction of nanoparticles was observed by FTIR analysis. The size and morphology of the nanoparticles were observed by SEM and TEM. The presence of elemental silver and zinc were confirmed by EDS. The silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Noni fruit extract exhibited great inhibition against bacterial pathogens. Application of Ag and ZnO nanoparticles to jean fabric may reduce bacterial infections and blocks UV rays. Zone of inhibition of silver was almost similar to zinc oxide nanoparticles but comparative to silver, zinc oxide was cost effective and less toxic.