Toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles on germinating Sesamum indicum (Co-1) and their antibacterial activity

A comparative study of chemically (ZnO) and biologically synthesized (nano-ZnO) nanoparticles were carried out to determine the effect on seed germination of Sesamum indicum (Co-1) by soaking method. Nano-ZnO is synthesized using Lantana aculeata aqueous extract. Chemical synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles by precipitate method and was characterized by ultraviolet–Visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Antibacterial activity against pathogens was determined using well diffusion method. All the characterization analysis revealed that ZnO and nano-ZnO nanoparticles were spherical in shape with an average particle size of 18±2 and 12±3 nm, respectively. Antibacterial studies conclude that nano-ZnO NPs have maximum zone of inhibition which was observed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.60±1.0 mm) at 100 μg ml−1 concentration when compared to other ZnO NPs. Phytomediate ZnO have no adverse effects on seed germination, root elongation on S. indicum. But chemically synthesized ZnO nanoparticles significantly decreased in germination of S. indicum-treated samples and no changes were observed in bulk ZnO. These results clearly indicate the benefits of using bio-fabricate ZnO nanoparticles, i.e., more efficient in germination of S. indicum and can also act as antibacterial agent. It can be used as nanofertilizer in environmental aspect of agricultural development.