Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry
Vol 15, No 1 (2026)

Green Synthesis of Iron Nanoparticles using Ficus capensis Stem Bark Extract: Characterization, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Evaluations

Uchenna Benjamin Okeke (Afe Babalola University)
Ejiro Dowe (Delta State University)
Oscar Ifeanyichukwu Onyemaobi (Afe Babalola University)
Bako Wunia'h (Afe Babalola University)
Wande Michael Oluyemi (Afe Babalola University)



Article Info

Publish Date
02 Sep 2026

Abstract

distinctive properties that support the development of sustainable therapeutic alternatives. This study evaluated the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) synthesized via a green route using Ficus capensis stem bark extract. The plant part was collected from its natural habitat, authenticated, and extracted with 80% methanol. Phytochemical analysis was performed on the extract following standard protocols. FeNPs were prepared using a mixture of 0.1 M ferric chloride and the extract. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Their antioxidant capacity was assessed using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay (RSA), while antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined according to established microbiological methods. The synthesized FeNPs were found to be agglomerated and non-spherical in nature, exhibiting substantial DPPH RSA with an IC50 of 6.474 ± 0.59 mikrogram/mL. The FeNPs showed antibacterial action against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus, with limited activity against Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These results underscore the potential of F. capensis-derived FeNPs as environmentally benign therapeutic agents for addressing oxidative stress and certain bacterial infections.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

BIOMEDICH

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

BIOLOGY, MEDICINE, & NATURAL PRODUCT CHEMISTRY, this journal is published to attract and disseminate innovative and expert findings in the fields of plant, animal, and microorganism secondary metabolite, and also the effect of natural product on biological system as a reference source for ...