Magnetic Nanoparticles of Fe3O4 Biosynthesized by Cnicus benedictus Extract: Photocatalytic Study of Organic Dye Degradation and Antibacterial Behavior

Currently, the use of sustainable chemistry as an ecological alternative for the generation of products or processes that are free of a polluting substance has assumed a preponderant role. The aim of this work is to propose a bioinspired, facile, low cost, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly alternative to obtaining magnetic nanoparticles with a majority phase of magnetite (Fe3O4). It is important to emphasize that the synthesis was based on the chemical reduction through theCnicus benedictusextract, whose use as reducing agent has not been reported in the synthesis of iron oxides nanoparticles. In addition, theCnicus benedictusis an abundant endemic plant in Mexico with several medicinal properties and a large number of natural antioxidants. The obtained nanoparticles exhibited significant magnetic and antibacterial properties and an enhanced photocatalytic activity. The crystallite size of the Fe(3)O(4)nanoparticles (Fe3O4NP's) was calculated by the Williamson-Hall method. The photocatalytic properties of the Fe3O4NP's were studied by kinetics absorptions models in the Congo red (CR) degradation. Finally, the antibacterial effects of the Fe(3)O(4)NPs were evaluated mediated the Kirby-Bauer method againstEscherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureusbacteria. This route offers a green alternative to obtain Fe(3)O(4)NPs with remarkable magnetic, photocatalytic, and antibacterial properties.