Green Synthesis of Aloe Vera-Based ZnO-B-CD Nanocomposite for Photocatalysis and Antimicrobial Applications

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies in Mumbai, India, have successfully developed a novel green synthesis method for an Aloe vera-based ZnO-b-cyclodextrin (b-CD) nanocomposite. This nanocomposite demonstrates exceptional photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under visible light and exhibits strong antibacterial activity against various microorganisms, including Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and a fungus strain.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Aloe vera-based ZnO-b-CD nanocomposite was synthesized using a green method, utilizing natural Aloe vera as a reducing and stabilizing agent.
  • The nanocomposite exhibited a unique bandgap of 3.0 eV, enabling efficient photocatalytic degradation of MB dye under visible light. Complete discoloration was achieved within 160 minutes at pH 6.
  • The nanocomposite demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus, Gram-negative bacteria E. coli, and fungus strain A. niger.
  • The nanocomposite was found to be biocompatible, causing minimal cytotoxicity to healthy cells, making it a promising candidate for environmental and biomedical applications.

Statistics:

  • The nanocomposite exhibited a bandgap energy of 3.0 eV, compared to previously reported ZnO-based systems.
  • The photocatalytic degradation of MB dye was achieved within 160 minutes under visible light, showing a significant improvement over previous studies.
  • The nanocomposite demonstrated antimicrobial activity against 3 different microorganisms: S. aureus, E. coli, and A. niger.
  • The nanocomposite showed minimal cytotoxicity to healthy cells, indicating its potential for biocompatible applications.

Sources:

  • "Investigation of Aloe vera mediated ZnO-b-CD nanocomposite for photocatalysis and antimicrobial applications." Scientific Reports, 2025;15(1):22871. Nature Portfolio, Heidelberger Platz 3, Berlin, 14197, Germany.
  • News article: "SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies Reports Findings in Nanocomposites (Investigation of Aloe vera mediated ZnO-b-CD nanocomposite for photocatalysis and antimicrobial applications)." Nanotechnology Weekly. July 14, 2025; p 1398.
  • Research authors: Arti Hadap, Vishal R. Panse, and Serhii Tereshchuk. Department of Basic Science and Humanities, Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management and Engineering, SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) Deemed-to-University, Mumbai, 400056, India.