pH-Sensing Strips Based on Biologically Synthesized Ly-MgO Nanoparticles

Abstract

MgO nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in diverse areas ranging from catalysis to sensing. Besides this, there is a lack of information regarding their toxicity on fauna and flora. The venture of this work is to evaluate the toxicity behavior and pH-sensing performance of l-lysine-modified MgO (Ly-MgO) NPs synthesized by the green approach using the clove ( Syzygium aromaticum) bud extract. The detailed investigations revealed that concentration plays an important role toward in vitro toxicity of Ly-MgO NPs. The Ly-MgO NPs showed 105% biocompatibility toward Vigna radiata (green gram) seeds at 100 ppm concentration. Zero inhibition on microbial growth was observed toward two bacterial strains. Further, pH-sensing strips based on these Ly-MgO nanostructures were developed to test pH-sensing performance at pH values ranging from 2.0 to 13.0. The repeatability as well as recyclability of the prepared pH strips was also analyzed. Nanobased pH paper strips based on Ly-MgO NPs provide a simple, reliable, nontoxic, and affordable method for pH measurements.