Biosynthesis of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles Using Opunita ficus-indica and Their Antifungal Effect Against Aspergillus Niger

Abstract

: Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) were synthesis via green method using Opunita ficus indica extract as reducing and covering agent. The optimal formula for the preparation of MgO-NPs was determined by UV-Vis and DLS ( Opunita ficus -indica extracted by distilled water and ethanol solvent, magnesium nitrate salt (1mM), stirred at 70 °C for 24 h with pH= 9). UV-Vis analysis showed a peak at 300 nm, while DLS measured the hydrodynamic diameter of the nanoparticles. FTIR results suggested that the polysaccharides, phenols and amines present in the extract might have been involved in the formation of MgO-NPs from Mg (NO3)2 as the reducing agent. Image J was utilized to analyze the SEM results and determine the size, which was on average 99 nm, the shape of the nanoparticles was spherical, and EDX spectrum confirmed the presence of magnesium (Mg). It was found that MgO-NPs are highly toxic against Aspergillus niger . Which showed a gradual inhibitory effect when using the concentration of 0.5% and 1.25%, and the inhibitory ability was 66.6%, 100% respectively, when using the poisoned food technique.