Green Synthesis of FeO Nanoparticles with Potential Antioxidant Properties.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO-NPs) are currently being applied in numerous high-tech sectors, such as in chemical sectors for catalysis and in the medical sector for drug delivery systems and antimicrobial purposes, due to their specific, unique and magnetic properties. Nevertheless, their synthesis is under continuous investigation, as physicochemical methods are considered expensive and require toxic solvents. Thus, green nanotechnology has shown considerable promise in the eco-biogenesis of nanoparticles. In the current study, FeO-NPs were synthesized by two different methods: via green synthesis through the use of polyphenols, which were extracted from L.; and via chemical synthesis, in which the reducing agent was a chemical (NaOH), and iron chloride was used as a precursor. Thus, polyphenol extraction and its ability to produce nanoparticles were evaluated based on the drying temperature used during the L. recollection, as well as the extraction solvent used. The results highlight the potential of polyphenols present in L. for the sustainable manufacture of FeO-NPs. Finally, green and chemical syntheses were compared on the basis of physicochemical characteristics and functional properties.