GREEN SYNTHESIS OF CALCIUM OXIDE NANOPARTICLES USING MUSA ACUMINATA PEEL AND PRUNUS DULCIS: FORMULATION AND ITS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY AGAINST ORAL PATHOGENS

The development of eco-friendly nanoparticles has gained significant attention due to their biocompatibility,
sustainability, and potential biomedical applications. Green synthesis has emerged as an environmentally friendly
approach to nanoparticle production, eliminating the need for hazardous chemicals while enhancing biocompatibility.
This study explores the green synthesis of calcium oxide (CaO) nanoparticles using Musa acuminata (banana peel) and Prunus dulcis (almond) extract as natural reducing and stabilizing agents. These plant extracts are rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which facilitate nanoparticle formation while improving their biological properties. The synthesized CaO nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy to confirm nanoparticle formation, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify functional groups involved in stabilization, Xray Diffraction (XRD) to determine crystallinity and phase composition, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to analyze surface morphology and particle size distribution. The antimicrobial activity of the CaO nanoparticles was assessed against common oral pathogens, including Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Candida albicans, using the agar well diffusion method. The nanoparticles exhibited significant antibacterial activity, forming inhibition zones of 18.4 mm, 16.7 mm, and 15.2 mm, respectively. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory efficacy was evaluated through protein denaturation inhibition and nitric oxide scavenging assays, where the nanoparticles showed 72.5% and 68.3% inhibition, respectively. The results suggest that green-synthesized CaO nanoparticles possess potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making them promising candidates for oral healthcare applications. Their eco-friendly synthesis, coupled with their therapeutic potential, highlights their suitability as biomaterials for dental treatments, antimicrobial coatings, and regenerative medicine. This study reinforces the significance of plant-based nanotechnology in advancing biocompatible and sustainable materials for future biomedical applications.