Green synthesis of ZnO NPs from Melon by-products (Cucumis Melo L.) extract: antioxidant activity and total phenolic content

In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using melon by-products (Cucumis Melo L.) extract. Nanoparticles were characterized using different techniques such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Diffraction (EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), Ultraviolet-Visible Diffuse Reflection Spectroscopy (UV- DRS), Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis and Zetasizer. SEM and TEM analyzes were used to show that the material is relatively spherical in shape and nanosized. It is shown in the UV absorption peaks that ZnO NPs peak at 368 nm. XRD and additionally EDX confirmed the purity of the material, and FTIR spectra confirmed the functional group of ZnO NPs. Melon byproducts were evaluated for total phenolic and DPPH activity with different solvent concentrations. ZnO NPs synthesized using melon by-product extract rich in polyphenols were also evaluated in terms of total phenolic and DPPH activity. Nanoparticles exhibited antioxidant activity. It was understood that secondary metabolites from the extract were used as capping agents.