Synthesis of Polyaniline Coated Magnesium and Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles through Eco-Friendly Approach and Their Application as Antifungal Agents.

Plant-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles exhibits great potential to minimize the generation of chemical waste through the utilization of non-toxic precursors. In this research work, we report the synthesis of magnesium oxide (MgO) and cobalt oxide (CoO) nanoparticles through a green approach using leaves extract, their surface modification by polyaniline (PANI), and antifungal properties against . Textural and structural characterization of modified and unmodified metal oxide nanoparticles were evaluated using FT-IR, SEM, and XRD. The optimal conditions for inhibition of were achieved by varying nanoparticles' concentration and time exposure. Results demonstrate that PANI/MgO nanoparticles were superior in function relative to PANI/CoO nanoparticles to control the growth rate of at optimal conditions (time exposure of 72 h and nanoparticles concentration of 24 mM). A percentage decrease of 73.2% and 65.1% in fungal growth was observed using PANI/MgO and PANI/CoO nanoparticles, respectively, which was higher than the unmodified metal oxide nanoparticles (67.5% and 63.2%).