Fruit Extract Mediated Formation of Luminescent Titanium Dioxide Nanometer-Sized Particles: An Innovative Strategy in Domain of Photodecomposition and Germicidal Properties

Abstract

Discoveries in nanotechnologies are placing a great deal of attention on greener strategies that use harmless substances and moderated reactions to promote healthy development. This work used a straightforward, innovative, and cost-effective sustainable approach to produce bio-augmented TiO₂ nanometer-sized particles (NMSP) by applying a water-based extract of the star fruit as a stabilization and reduction agent. A variety of techniques, comprising UV–Vis, XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM with EDAX, and TEM, have been employed to investigate the formed TiO₂ NMSP. The germicidal properties of formed TiO₂ NMSP towards germs have been investigated by implementing an agar-based pore plate technique. Congo red and methylene blue dyes have been applied to assess photodecomposition activity. The TiO₂ NMSP exhibited significant germicidal efficacy versus many pathogenic microbes. The maximum degradation percentages of Congo red and methylene blue were 89.2% and 83.7%, achieved after 60 and 70 min, respectively. Consequently, it is determined that the selected NMSP composition enhanced germicidal and photodecomposition capabilities. The combined effort may serve as an effective method for eliminating color degradation concerning effluent and could potentially be employed in the field of medicine to address antibiotic resistance.