Eco-friendly synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using saffron extract and their photocatalytic and antibacterial activities

The use of nanomaterials for environmental remediation represents an ambitious and innovative solution, which guarantees a fast and efficient removal of pollutants from contaminated sites. The present work reports the ecological synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using saffron (Crocus sativus L) leave waste extract. SEM and XRD were used to evaluate the properties of green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles. However, the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized ZnO NPs was evaluated for the degradation of Methyl Orange (OM) dye under sunlight in 135 min and the interactions of phenolic compounds present in the Crocus sativus extract with ZnO NPs revealed antibacterial activity against three pathogenic bacteria. The green synthesis of ZnO NPs could be used in pollution control, and it will be a breakthrough in the development of more environmentally friendly, low-cost, energy-efficient, sustainable, and innovative nanostructured materials. Graphical abstract