Flower extract of Tagetes erecta (marigold) as capping agents for synthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles with antioxidant potential

Nanoparticles play a major role in the field of biomedical science, agriculture, engineering, and environment. Plant-based nanoparticles provide biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant properties. Flowers of Tagetes erecta (marigold flower) have medicinal properties. The novelty of the present study is the synthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) using the flower extract of Tagetes erecta (marigold flower). The obtained T. erecta–mediated MgO NPs (M-MgO NPs) were examined by UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, FESEM, EDAX, and TGA. The absorbance spectra of UV–Vis analysis shows the peak at 280 nm which indicates the presence of M-MgO NPs. FTIR spectral analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups such as O–H stretch, C-H stretch, C–O–C bond, and Mg-O-Mg bond. XRD analysis determined the crystalline phase–mediated face-centered cubic M-MgO NPs. Field emission scanning electron microscopic analysis confirmed the spherical shape of M-MgO NPs. The occurrence of Mg, O, and C was identified by EDX analysis. The persistence of thermal stability and mass reduction was observed by TGA. The 67% free radical scavenging activity was observed in M-MgO NPs and proves that M-MgO NPs possess the antioxidant activity. Through the process of green synthesis, M-MgO NPs have biocompatible property and it can be utilized in various fields.