UOL chemist prepares silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles for pharmaceutical applications

 Dr Faiza Hassan (Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, The University of Lahore (UOL)) has successfully registered a patent for her research on Ag/Zn bimetallic nanoparticles utilising Viola biflora extract. Her innovative green synthesis method offers a safe approach to nanoparticle preparation, resulting in enhanced antioxidant activity.

In her research, the UOL chemist focused on synthesising silver, zinc oxide, and bimetallic silver nanoparticles derived from the Viola biflora plant through an eco-friendly approach. Utilising a method that is not only cost-effective but also safe, Dr Hassan successfully developed these nanoparticles using both ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the plant, demonstrating her commitment to sustainable scientific practices.

Employing sophisticated characterisation techniques such as FTIR, SEM, and XRD, she confirmed the presence of silver and zinc oxide in the synthesised nanopowders, showcasing the precision and meticulousness of her research methodology. Furthermore, through UV spectroscopy, she assessed the antioxidant activity of these nanoparticles, with the ethanolic extract exhibiting exceptional free radical scavenging capabilities that increased over time.

Particularly, the nanoparticles exhibited considerable antioxidant activity, as determined by using DPPH and ABTS as catalysts in UV spectroscopy. Therefore, Dr Hassan’s findings open new avenues for designing drugs to treat diseases caused by free radicals in humans, with potential applications in various fields including medicine, cosmetics, and food science.

It is pertinent to mention that the utilisation of plant-based resources for nanoparticle synthesis represents a novel aspect of this research. This investigation aligns with UOL’s dedication to pioneering studies and innovations, offering potential advancements in chemistry and pharmaceuticals through green synthesis methods.

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