Biogenic approach to synthesize rod shaped Gd O nanoparticles and its optimization using response surface methodology-Box-Behnken design model.

The rare earth metal oxide nanoparticles such as gadolinium oxide nanoparticles (Gd O NPs) have been synthesized by green synthesis process using methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera (M oleifera) peel. In this process, the Gd O NPs formation was observed at 280-300 nm in UV-Vis spectroscopy. The XRD pattern of the synthesized Gd O NPs was exactly matched with JCPDS No 3-065-3181which confirms the crystalline nature of Gd O NPs. In addition, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis was stated that Gd and O elements were present as 70.31 and 29.69%, respectively in Gd O NPs. The SEM and TEM analysis were said Gd O NPs are in rod shape and 26 ± 2 nm in size. Further the synthesized Gd O NPs were confirmed by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). The synthesized Gd O NPs were further examined for anti-fungal activity against Alternaria saloni (A saloni) and Sclerrotium rolfsii (S rolfsii) and it showed moderate activity. Also, Gd O NPs evaluated as good antibacterial agent against different Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria. Moreover, the toxicity of the Gd O NPs on red blood cells (RBCs) of the human blood was determined using hemolytic assay, the obtained results were stated the synthesized Gd O NPs are nontoxic to the human erythrocytes. The photocatalytic activity against malachite green (MG) dye was tested and confirmed as 92% of dye was degraded within 2 hr by Gd O NPs. The results were stated the green synthesized Gd O NPs are good anti-fungal agents, nontoxic and we can use as a photocatalyst. Copyright © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.