Synthesis of Fe₂O₃ Nanoparticles from Red Soil: Characterization and Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Potential

Iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized from naturally abundant red soil using an eco-friendly magnetic separation method and evaluated for their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), confirming their crystalline hematite phase, functional groups, and morphological features. The antibacterial efficacy was tested against Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris) bacteria, while antifungal activity was assessed against Candida albicans. The results demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, with inhibition zones comparable to standard antibiotics (streptomycin and ketoconazole). Additionally, the antioxidant potential was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, revealing substantial free radical inhibition (up to 77.32% at 250 µg/mL), though slightly lower than ascorbic acid. The study highlights the dual functionality of Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles as both antimicrobial and antioxidant agents, synthesized through a sustainable, low-cost, and environmentally benign approach. This method eliminates the need for toxic chemicals, reduces energy consumption, and leverages naturally occurring iron-rich soil, making it a viable alternative to conventional nanoparticle synthesis techniques. The findings underscore the potential of Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles in biomedical applications, particularly in combating antibiotic-resistant infections and oxidative stress-related diseases, while aligning with green chemistry principles for sustainable nanotechnology development.