Bionanocomposites comprising mesoporous metal organic framework (ZIF-8) phytofabricated with Allium sativum as alternative nanomaterials to combat antimicrobial drug resistance.

ABSTRACT

Green nanotechnology is one of the most expanding fields that provides numerous novel nanoparticle drug formulations with enhanced bioactivity performance. This study aims to synthesize mesoporous metal organic framework (ZIF-8) phytofabricated with the herb Allium sativum (As) as an indicator system for its antibacterial and antifungal impact. The successful synthesis of ZIF-8 as nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (SEM-EDX and TEM) that showed the textural retainment of ZIF-8 on composite formation with A. sativum. The nanocomposite, A. sativum extract, and ZIF-8 were subjected to antimicrobial assays against Shigella flexneri, Candida albicans, and Candida parapsilosis. The comparative results indicated the potential action of nanocomposite against the bacteria and both the Candida sps; however, the antifungal action against the Candida sps was more effective than the bacterium S. flexneri. The findings suggest that plants, being an important component of ecosystems, could be further explored for the novel drug discovery using green nanotechnology to enhance their impact on the drug-resistant pathogens.