Ocimum basilicum mucilage as a new green polymer support for silver in magnetic nanocomposites: Production and characterization

The purpose of this paper is to produce naturally-coated magnetic nanocomposites in order to study and improve antibacterial properties of silver. Nowadays, magnetic nanoparticles have been a focus of many studies due to their unique, beneficial properties and use in various applications, including biological applications. The magnetic properties of nanoparticles are greatly influenced by their methods of synthesis, hence selecting an efficient method is the key for achieving desired application goals. There are variety of synthesis methods, in this paper, we selected the sol gel method in order to produce high purity and homogeneity of magnetic particles and have the ability to work at relatively low temperatures. The produced Co0.3Zn0.7Fe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles are stabilized with Basil seed polymer (Basil granular mucilage is a natural, biodegradable and non-toxic coating). In addition, the mucilage is used as the stabilizing agent for silver nanoparticles by preventing the release of silver ions, resulting in higher antibacterial properties of the nanocomposite. The produced Co0.3Zn0.7Fe2O4/OBM/Ag NPs nanocomposite was analyzed using several distinguishing tests such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy, field-scattering electron microscopy, transmitted electron microscope, Vibration Magnetometer, special surface area measurements (BET), and antibacterial tests for structural, magnetic and antibacterial properties. The results showed that the nanoparticles were synthesized and coated successfully. The magnetic properties of produced cobalt ferrite ensues an easy separation of the nanocomposites from the aqueous medium by means of an external magnetic field. Finally, antibacterial disk diffusion test's results demonstrated that the synthesized nanocomposite exhibits excellent antibacterial activity against bacteria.