Research Article
Synthesis and Evaluation of Helianthus annuus Silver Nanoparticles
Tenderwealth Clement Jackson*
,
Bernard Opatimidi Patan,
Ekema Sifon Essien,
Ntiido Blessing Aniekan,
Victoria Aimalohi Ifijeh,
Cletus Ochu Iyaji
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
32-41
Received:
31 March 2025
Accepted:
9 April 2025
Published:
27 August 2025
Abstract: The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria necessitates the exploration of novel antimicrobial agents. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as promising candidates due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize silver nanoparticles using a green synthesis approach employing Helianthus annuus (sunflower) extract and to evaluate their antibacterial activity against selected bacterial strains. The formation of AgNPs was initially indicated by a visible color change from light yellow to brown in the reaction medium. The nanoparticles obtained were evaluated using UV, FTIR, Zeta Sizer and SEM analysis. The UV-Vis spectrum of reaction medium for all concentrations displayed an emission peak at 347.5 nm, which corresponded to the absorbance of silver nanoparticles (300 to 500 nm) and showed well dispersed nanoparticles in the aqueous solution without aggregation in UV-Vis absorption spectrum. The zeta sizer showed a particle size of 70.37 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.382. The greatest antibacterial activity of Synthesized Silver nanoparticles was observed against the Pseudomonas aeruginosa with an inhibition zone diameter (IZD) of 20 ± 0.12 mm followed by Escherichia coli (IZD of 19 ± 0.12 mm), Bacillus subtillis (IZD of 14 ± 0.06 mm and lastly Staphylococcus aureus with inhibition zone diameter of 12 ± 0.06 mm. The results of the antimicrobial studies conducted on the synthesized H. annuus nanoparticle showed promising activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, suggesting their potential application in the biomedical field as an antimicrobial agent.
Abstract: The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria necessitates the exploration of novel antimicrobial agents. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as promising candidates due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize silver nanoparticles using a green synthesis approach employing...
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Research Article
A Review on the Performance of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Electrochemical Sensors for Detecting Flavor and Fragrance Compounds
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
42-52
Received:
27 August 2025
Accepted:
12 September 2025
Published:
10 October 2025
Abstract: Metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) have been recognized as extremely promising materials in the enhancement of electrochemical sensors, specifically to detect flavor and fragrance compounds. This review dives into the performance of various MONPs, such as Zinc Oxide (ZnO2), Titanium Dioxide (TiO2), Manganese Oxide (Mn3O4), Nickel Oxide (NiO) and Copper Oxide (CuO), highlighting each of their unique properties that could help develop the sensitivity of flavor and fragrance sensors. Furthermore, this article discusses the synthesis methods of MONPs, their functionalization, and incorporation into sensor platforms. Key electrochemical techniques are examined to illuminate the mechanisms of interaction between MONPs and target analytes. Recent advancements in nanocomposite materials combining MONPs with conducting polymers or carbon-based materials are also considered, showcasing improvements in detection limits and response times. Additionally, the up-and-coming challenges and future directions for the application of MONPs in the realm of flavor and fragrance detection are discussed, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize sensor designs and their peak commercial capability. Future studies should aim to reduce the size of sensors while maintaining or improving their sensitivity and selectivity. This development could lead to the creation of handheld devices for present monitoring of flavor and fragrance compounds in various settings, such as food production and consumer markets. Also, since the combination of machine learning and artificial intelligence into sensor data analysis has been off to a promising direction, by utilizing advanced algorithms, researchers can enhance the interpretation of complex data sets generated by electrochemical sensors. It is hoped that this article brings more attention to these techniques as they meet the current and future needs of food industry. It is hoped that this article brings more attention to these techniques as they meet the current and future needs of food industry.
Abstract: Metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) have been recognized as extremely promising materials in the enhancement of electrochemical sensors, specifically to detect flavor and fragrance compounds. This review dives into the performance of various MONPs, such as Zinc Oxide (ZnO2), Titanium Dioxide (TiO2), Manganese Oxide (Mn3O4), Nickel Oxide (NiO) and Cop...
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