Biosaintifika: Journal of Biology & Biology Education
Vol. 18 No. 2 (2026): Inpress August 2026

Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Biosynthesized Zinc Oxide–Silver (ZnO–Ag) Nanocomposites Using Manihot esculenta Leaf Extract

Wardah Radhwa Hafizhah (Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sebelas Maret University, Jl. Ir. Sutami, Surakarta, Central Java 57126, Indonesia)
Ari Susilowati (Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sebelas Maret University, Jl. Ir. Sutami, Surakarta, Central Java 57126, Indonesia)
Artini Pangastuti (Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sebelas Maret University, Jl. Ir. Sutami, Surakarta, Central Java 57126, Indonesia)
Muhammad Ali (Department of Life Sciences, Abasyn University, Islamabad Campus, Park Road, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan)



Article Info

Publish Date
20 Aug 2026

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an important opportunistic pathogen responsible for nosocomial infections, poses a threat in clinical care. Metal-metal oxide nanocomposites have been developed as antibacterial agents due to their synergistic effects. In this study, zinc oxide-silver nanocomposites (ZnO–AgNCs) were synthesized using Manihot esculenta leaf extract as a bioreductant, with extract concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15% (v/v) and AgNO₃ concentrations of 6 and 8 mM. The samples were characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, PSA, SEM-EDX, and their antibacterial activity was tested using the disk diffusion method. The best formulation was obtained for ZnO–AgNCs with 5% extract + 8 mM AgNO₃, which exhibited an SPR peak at 331 nm and an average particle size of 48.04 nm. SEM-EDX revealed an irregular and agglomerated morphology and confirmed the presence of Zn, O, and Ag. The nanocomposite showed strong antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa with an inhibition zone of 15.83±0.64 mm. These findings highlight its potential for further development in infection control, particularly in medical applications. This study supports the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) on Good Health and Well-being (No. 3) through the development of antibacterial materials.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

biosaintifika

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry

Description

Biosaintifika: Journal of Biology & Biology Education {PISSN 2085-191X| EISSN 2338-7610} published scientific papers on the results of biology and biology education research {see Focus and Scope}. Editor accepts the article has not been published in other media with the writing format as listed on ...