Synthesis and Characterization of Iron oxide Nanoparticles with Thymoquinone.

Abstract

Nigella sativa is a medicinal plant used for its antimicrobial properties. Thymoquinone (TQ) being the lead component of this plant seeds, exerts antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activity. It has also shown promising activity against cancer and inflammation through different modes of action. In recent developments for new applications in the field of medicine, nanotechnology has excelled as a very prominent and important field. Nanoparticles are generally in the dimension range of 1–100 nm. Iron oxide nanoparticles show enhanced antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria. The current research focuses on comparing the yield, stability and purity of thymoquinone synthesised iron oxide nanoparticles using different organic solvents, the benefits expressed by thymoquinone as a herbal drug and a novel approach to green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles with thymoquinone and testing for their stability, size and functional groups.