RETRACTED: Evaluating the Potential of Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from the Fruit Extracts of Balanites aegyptiaca as an Antimicrobial and Larvicidal Agent

Abstract

This study investigates the antimicrobial and larvicidal potential of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) derived from the fruit extract of Balanites aegyptiaca. The synthesized ZnO-NPs were characterized using UV-Visible spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed against two Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes), two Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae), and two fungal species (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger). At the highest tested concentration (30 µg/mL), the ZnO-NPs exhibited moderate inhibitory activity across all microbial groups. Larvicidal activity was evaluated against Anopheles mosquito larvae at concentrations of 40, 50, and 60 mg/L. The ZnO-NPs achieved 100% mortality in third and fourth instar larvae, with LC₅₀ values ranging from 35.30 to 59.47 mg/L. The results demonstrate the significant dose-dependent antimicrobial and larvicidal effects of ZnO-NPs synthesized from B. aegyptiaca, supporting their potential application in the development of eco-friendly nanobiopesticides and plant-based therapeutic agents.