Biosynthesis of hematite nanoparticles using Rheum emodi and their antimicrobial and anticancerous effects in vitro

The synthesis of magnetic Hematite nanoparticles (alpha-Fe2O3) via green route has been a long lasting challenge for the scientific and technological fascination of many researchers. In the present investigation, iron oxide nanoparticles (alpha-Fe2O3) were synthesized using Rheum emodi roots in a cost effective and ecofriendly method. Their physicochemical property orchestration involved techniques such as UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and Atomic force microscopy (AFM). Through TEM, FESEM and AFM analysis, alpha-Fe(2)O(3)NPs were confirmed spherical in shape and the average diameter of particle is similar to 12 nm as depicted through TEM image. Thermal property was investigated by TGA. Magnetic behavior was observed in R. emodi mediated alpha-Fe(2)O(3)NPs by magnetic hysteresis measurements. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of anthraquinones in R. emodi roots extract which play the central role in stabilization of the alpha-Fe(2)O(3)NPs. Further, the crystalline nature of the nanoparticle sample was determined with XRD experiment and SAED fringes calculation. The crystal was also confirmed with Rietveld refinement of XRD profile fitted with R-3c model Additionally, magnetic interaction with bacterial cell wall showed antimicrobial property against Escherichia coli, Gram-negative and Staphylococcus aureus, Gram-positive species. The approach transcribed in this paper reveals a novel methodology that utilizes alpha-Fe2O3 NPs to initiate apoptosis and inhibition of cervical cancer cells.