Abstract:
Borassus flabellifer is a tree found in the tropical belt of Sri Lanka and almost all parts of the tree can
be used for various purposes like food, medicine, and others. Mostly, the leaf has been used to make
handicraft items and is popularly known for this only but other than this, there is a potential for the
leaf being used for various purposes. Only very few studies were conducted to evidence the
medicinal importance of palmyrah leaf. The aim of this work is associated with plant-mediated nano-
particle synthesis through developing low-cost, eco-friendly processing using palmyrah leaf extract
and zinc sulphate and sodium hydroxide as precursor solution. The artificial synthesis of ZnO is
assisted by chemical processing and leaving several hazardous effects on the world. The
nanoparticles synthesized were characterized using X-ray diffraction analysis and the antibacterial
activity was evaluated by the agar well diffusion method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrometer
was used to determine the crystalline size of nanoparticles synthesized as 20 ± 6 nm at the
wavelength of 517 nm. Antimicrobial activity for two different concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles
(50 and 100 mg/ml) was studied for Escherichia coli. A significant inhibition activity was observed
for the tested two concentrations and the maximum activity (18 mm) was observed from the highest
concentration. An attempt is employed for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using leaf extract of
Borassus flabellifer in an environmentally friendly manner. In this green nano-particle synthesis
process, palmyrah leaf extract has functioned as a reducing and capping agent. Green aspects of ZnO
nanoparticle synthesis could be recommended as an alternative to high thermal chemical processing.
Further characterization for associated phytochemical compounds and any toxic factor will assist to
incorporate this nanoparticle for developing any value-added product from palmyrah in the future.
Keywords: Borassus flabellifer; ZnO nanoparticle; XRD analysis; Antibacterial activity
