Green synthesis, characterization and biological activities of nanoceria

Nanoceria green synthesis using Pisonia alba leaf extract was reported in this study. UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM, EDX, XRD and FTIR were employed to characterize the synthesized nanoceria (CeO2 nanoparticles). The nanoceria synthesis and size were confirmed by UV-Vis and TEM analysis. The cerium signals observed in the EDX spectrum revealed that the synthesized nanoceria was pure in nature. The cubic fluorite crystal structure of the nanoceria was confirmed from XRD analysis. The chemical bonds pertaining to the bioreducing phytochemicals in P. alba leaf extract were identified by FTIR analysis. Nanoceria showed good antioxidant activity which was assessed by DPPH and FRAP assay. P. alba leaf extract derived nanoceria was highly inhibited the growth of Aspergillus fiavus and Fusarium solani fungal strains. The antioxidant and antifungal properties of P. alba leaf extract derived nanoceria can make it as a suitable candidate for biological applications.