Antibacterial Effect of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Extract and Biosynthesized TiO₂ Nanoparticles Coated on Cotton Fabric

The green synthesis of inherently safer nanoparticles is an important aspect in nanotechnology while adopting the green chemistry principles. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂ nanoparticles prepared using the natural extract of nyctanthes arbor-tristis (Nat) species without using any external agents. Nano TiO₂ and the ethanolic extract of different parts of Nat were coated on the cotton fabric by direct application method. The synthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Particle Size Analytical (PSA) techniques. XRD peaks of TiO₂ nanoparticles shows the crystal lattice planes of anatase phase. The SEM images of TiO₂ nanoparticles reveals that the uniform morphology of spherical and cubic structure. PSA technique illustrates the approximate size in the range of from 80 nm to 120 nm. The antibacterial activity of coated cotton fabric was evaluated by Agar diffusion (Kirby Bauer) test method. Coated cotton samples with the TiO₂ nanoparticles and extract of Nat exhibit higher zone of inhibition with Staphylococcus aureus (gram positive bacteria) than the Escherichia coli (gram negative bacteria).