Development of Antibacterial Face Masks Utilizing Biologically Synthesized Zinc Sulfate Nanoparticles from Bauhinia purpurea

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the development of antibacterial face masks utilizing biologically synthesized zinc sulfate nanoparticles sourced from the leaves of Bauhinia purpurea. The synthesized zinc sulfate nanoparticles were confirmed via UV– Vis spectral analysis, while their structural characteristics and morphology was examined through SEM and XRD analyses. The results confirmed the high stability and purity of the zinc nanoparticles. FTIR analysis verified the involvement of functional groups in the zinc nanoparticles. Furthermore, the antimicrobial efficacy of the produced zinc sulfate NPs was evaluated using the agar well diffusion process. The results demonstrated significant antibacterial efficacy, with maximum zone of inhibition sizes of 21 mm, 22 mm, 24 mm, and 23 mm observed against S.aureus, E. faecalis, ps. aeruginosa, and E.coli, respectively, at a concentration of 125μg/ml. Subsequently, nanoparticle-coated masks were found to exhibit antimicrobial effects, effectively inhibiting the growth of contaminated microorganisms. These findings highlight the potential of zinc nanoparticles derived from plant extracts to combat various pathogenic microorganisms. Thus, the synthesis of zinc nanoparticles was applied to coat masks, offering both safer breathing and protection against external microbes.