Optical and Structural Properties of Protein Capped ZnO Nanoparticles and Its Antimicrobial Activity

Protein coated ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) are prepared by green synthesis method in egg albumin medium. HRTEM analysis and absorption at~360 nm along with ~ 280 nm indicate the formation of protein coated ZnO NPs. Fluorescence study reveals the tryptophan emission~ 340 nm as well as green and blue emission from protein coated ZnO NPs. FTIR bands of ZnO along with amide bands confirm the formation of protein capped ZnO NPs. XRD spectrum showed hexagonal phase of the NPs. The DLS and Zeta potential measurements showed 34.2 nm hydrodynamic radious of the NPs with negative surface charge having value -13.4 mV. Such nanoparticles showed potential antimicrobial activity against gram negative bacteria.