Biogenic synthesis and characterization of MgO nanoparticles from banana peel extract with evaluation of their antibacterial and antioxidant activities in cellular models.

The current research involved the preparation of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles (MgO NPs) by aqueous extraction of banana peels, then characterizing the resulting particles and incorporating them into polymer matrices to provide antimicrobial activity for packaging materials. The resulting particles were characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The ultraviolet spectrum of Magnesium Oxide nanoparticles showed sharp absorption peaks at 350 and 500 cm⁻¹. Both SEM and TEM revealed MgO NPs as almost spherical granular structures. XRD showed six main peaks of the crystalline mineral elements of the magnesium oxide nanoparticles. FTIR results confirmed that biologically active compounds act as reducing and capping agents for the nanoparticles. The magnesium oxide nanoparticles also showed antibacterial and antioxidant activity and non-toxicity.