From flowers to function: Structural and biomedical exploration of iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized from Rhododendron arboreum extract

Abstract

Objectives

This study was aimed at developing a green, ecologically friendly method for synthesizing iron oxide nanoparticles (α-Fe₂O₃ NPs) by using Rhododendron arboreum flower extract, as well as evaluating their potential biomedical applications.

Method

X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the α-Fe₂O₃ NPs synthesized from the Rhododendron arboreum flower extract.

Results

Comprehensive characterization of the synthesized α-Fe₂O₃ NPs revealed a hydrodynamic diameter of 274.7 nm and a zeta potential of −18.6 mV. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of crystalline α-Fe₂O₃ with an average crystallite size of 32.03 nm. The nanoparticles exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhi, with lower minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values than the flower extract, thus indicating enhanced antimicrobial efficacy. Anti-inflammatory potential, assessed with egg albumin denaturation assays, indicated a significant decrease in inflammation. Furthermore, cytotoxicity evaluations in MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines indicated an IC₅₀ value of 22 μg/mL, suggesting promise for cancer therapy applications.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the successful green synthesis of α-Fe₂O₃ NPs with potential biomedical applications in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer treatments.