Larvicidal and antibacterial activity of aqueous leaf extract of Peepal ( Ficus religiosa) synthesized nanoparticles

In this study, the zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) were synthesized using the aqueous leaf extract of Ficus religiosa (Peepal tree). The synthesized nanoparticles were tested as larvicides against the larvae of Anopheles stephensi. Further, the synthesized nanoparticles were tested as antibacterial agents against the Escherichia coli (gram negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (gram positive) bacteria. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized with UV-visible spectroscopy, X-rays powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The larvicidal mortality was observed after 24 h and 48 h by probit analysis. The antibacterial activity was evaluated using the well diffusion method. The synthesized nanoparticles were irregular shape and varied size. The larvae of An. stephensi were found highly susceptible against the ZnO NPs than the TiO₂ NPs and aqueous leaves extract. The highest mortality was observed in synthesized ZnO NPs against first to third instars of (LC₅₀ 50, 75, and 5 ppm) and 100% mortality in fourth instars of An. stephensi. The higher zone of inhibition was occurred against the E. coli. This report of present investigation revealed that the rapid biological synthesis of ZnO NPs and TiO₂ NPs using aqueous leaf extract of F. religiosa would be effective potential larvicides for mosquito control as well as antimicrobial agents with eco-friendly approach.

Keywords: Anopheles stephensi; Antimicrobial; Ficus religiosa; Larvicides; TiO2 NPs; ZnO NPs.