Synthesis and evaluation of iron oxide nanoparticles from banana peel (Musa spp.) extract for the delivery of ciprofloxacin against resistant Escherichia coli

Background and objective

Resistance to antimicrobials is one of our most significant worldwide challenges. In Africa, around 31 % of the infections of urinary tract (UTIs) initiated by Escherichia coli (E. coli) have been observed to develop ciprofloxacin (CIP) resistance. As a result, significant efforts have been made to investigate novel and improved antibiotics. This study aimed at synthesizing iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) using banana peels (Musa Spp.) extract for delivery of CIP against resistant E. coli.

Methods

A green synthesis method was used for the synthesis of IONPs using FeCl₃.6H₂O as a precursor and banana peel extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The physicochemical characteristics of the formed nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized using different methods.

Results

The formation of hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) was confirmed with its FTIR characteristic peak at 461 cm⁻¹, 542 cm⁻¹, and 1131 cm⁻¹. The size of synthesized IONPs was found to be 10.4 nm $\pm$ 1.98, 48 nm $\pm$ 0.9, and 67.3 nm $\pm$ 0.9 under XRD, SEM, and DLS measurements respectively. CIP-IONPs had almost the maximum drug loading capacity (33.3 % $\pm$ 0.67) with fast and slow drug release patterns at gastric and intestinal or blood pH respectively, and it had a promising resistant reversal with a zone of inhibition (ZOI) 22 mm ± 0.15 against resistance E. coli.

Conclusion

The green synthesis of IONP using banana peel extract represents a novel and eco-friendly approach for the delivery of ciprofloxacin, with potential applications in addressing antimicrobial resistance.