Magnetic Nanoparticles of Fe3O4 Biosynthesized by Cnicus benedictus Extract: Photocatalytic Study of Organic Dye Degradation and Antibacterial Behavior

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Abstract
Currently, the use of sustainable chemistry as an ecological alternative for the generation of products or processes that are free of a polluting substance has assumed a preponderant role. The aim of this work is to propose a bioinspired, facile, low cost, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly alternative to obtaining magnetic nanoparticles with a majority phase of magnetite (Fe3O4). It is important to emphasize that the synthesis was based on the chemical reduction through the Cnicus benedictus extract, whose use as reducing agent has not been reported in the synthesis of iron oxides nanoparticles. In addition, the Cnicus benedictus is an abundant endemic plant in Mexico with several medicinal properties and a large number of natural antioxidants. The obtained nanoparticles exhibited significant magnetic and antibacterial properties and an enhanced photocatalytic activity. The crystallite size of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NP’s) was calculated by the Williamson-Hall method. The photocatalytic properties of the Fe3O4 NP’s were studied by kinetics absorptions models in the Congo red (CR) degradation. Finally, the antibacterial effects of the Fe3O4 NPs were evaluated mediated the Kirby–Bauer method against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. This route offers a green alternative to obtain Fe3O4 NPs with remarkable magnetic, photocatalytic, and antibacterial properties.

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