Characterization and acute toxicity evaluation of the MgO Nanoparticles Synthesized from Aqueous Leaf Extract of Ocimum basilicum L

Abstract

The aim of this study was to prepare magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) using aqueous leave extract of Ocimum basilicum L. and to evaluate their acute toxicity. The characteristics of biosynthesized MgO powder was analyzed by UV–Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The acute toxicity test of MgONPs was applied in Wistar albino rats with different concentration. Results showed that the broad bell-shaped spectrum band was obtained by UV–Vis spectroscopy indicates the formation of MgO. The SEM images provided further insight into the shape and size of MgO which to be ranging under 440 nm. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy detected the vibration of the Mg─O bond that indicate the presence of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO). In this study, the toxicity test showed no mortality or behavioral change in low dose of MgNPs (250 mg / kg b.w) but we observed that 50% of rats have died when treated with high dose of MgNPs (500 mg/kg b.w.). This study confirmed that aqueous extract of Ocimum basilicum L. has potential properties as biocatalyst for the biosynthesis of MgONPs without any toxicity under dose 250 mg/kg in rats.