Evaluating the Potential of Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from the Fruit Extracts of Balanites Aegyptiaca as an Antimicrobial and Larvicidal Agent

This study evaluates the potential of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) derived from the fruit extract of Balanites aegyptiaca as an antimicrobial and larvicidal agent. The synthesised nanoparticles were characterized using a UV-Visible spectrophotometer, FTIR, XRD and SEM analysis. The antimicrobial potentials of the ZnO-NPs were evaluated against two Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes), two Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae), and two fungal species (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger). The ZnO-NPs have demonstrated moderate activity across Gram-positive, Gram-negative and fungal strains at the highest concentration (30 µg/ml). The larvicidal efficacy of the synthesized ZnO-NPs was tested against Anopheles mosquito larvae at concentrations of 40, 50, and 60 mg/L. The ZnO-NPs caused 100% mortality in third and fourth instar larvae, with LC₅₀ values ranging from 35.30 to 59.47 mg/L across instars. These findings underscore the potent larvicidal and antimicrobial properties of ZnO-NPs synthesized from the fruit extract of Balanites aegyptiaca, with dose-dependent effects and notable efficiency against disease vectors and pathogens. The study supports the development of eco-friendly nanobiopesticides and therapeutics from medicinal plants.