Bioinspired synthesis of AgO-ZnO nanocomposite via Cucumis melo leaves: A green catalyst for efficient malachite green degradation and antibacterial applications

Malachite green (MG) dye known for its severe toxicity poses significant health hazards, including risks of cancer, genetic mutations, and respiratory damage. This investigation highlights an eco-friendly, sustainable, economical, and efficient green approach for fabrication of silver oxide-zinc oxide bimetallic nanoparticles (AgO-ZnO BMNPs). The purpose of this study is to optimize the degradation process of MG dye under light exposure. To achieve this, we successfully prepared biogenic AgO-ZnO BMNPs crystals. The compositions, structures, morphologies, and optical behavior of these BMNPs were analyzed by UV-vis, SEM, XRD, EDX and FTIR techniques. AgO-ZnO BMNPs showed absorption peaks by UV-vis analysis at 215, 289nm for silver and at 219, 278nm for zinc. XRD analysis showed the crystal size of AgO-ZnO BMNPs was 10nm determined by the Scherrer equation. The results revealed that the AgO-ZnO BMNPs degrade 95% MG dye in 40min at pH 10 using 300mg/L dose. The antimicrobial ability of AgO-ZnO BMNPs was assessed against harmful bacterial strains. The results revealed that these BMNPs have good inhibition potential against all tested strains. The AgO-ZnO BMNPs exhibit high photocatalytic efficiency and strong antimicrobial potential, indicating their effectiveness in degrading pollutants and combating harmful bacteria. The comprehensive results suggest that these green-synthesized AgO-ZnO BMNPs hold significant potential for use in versatile applications.