Research Article
Green Synthesis, Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Chitosan-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles from Ficus platyphylla
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, June 2026
Pages:
1-7
Received:
22 March 2026
Accepted:
7 April 2026
Published:
23 April 2026
Abstract: Green synthesis using plant extract is an eco-friendly approach for producing metal oxide nanoparticles with improved biological activity. This study investigated the green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) using Ficus platyphylla leaf extract and determine how chitosan influences their surface characteristics and antioxidant activity. The FeONPs were synthesized using aqueous Ficus platyphylla leaf extract and subsequently coated with a chitosan. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract was determined using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The UV-visible spectra confirmed successful nanoparticle formation, while the FTIR showed a strong interaction between chitosan functional groups and iron oxide surface. XRD revealed a highly crystalline cubic spinel structure consistent with magnetite/maghemite and SEM revealed irregular aggregated particles with increased surface roughness after chitosan coating. CS-FeONPs showed significantly higher DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 11.63 ± 0.30 µg/mL) than uncoated FeONPs (IC50 = 19.53 ± 0.63 µg/mL) and the crude extract (IC50 = 23.02 µg/mL) (p < 0.05), approaching the activity of vitamin C. FRAP analysis similarly demonstrated a gradual increased in reducing power from the extract to FeONPs and further to CS-FeONPs’ Therefore, combining plant mediated synthesis with chitosan surface functionalization produced a stable iron oxide nanocomposite with improved antioxidant activity. These findings highlighted the role of surface engineering in developing sustainable nanomaterials with promising biomedical applications.
Abstract: Green synthesis using plant extract is an eco-friendly approach for producing metal oxide nanoparticles with improved biological activity. This study investigated the green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) using Ficus platyphylla leaf extract and determine how chitosan influences their surface characteristics and antioxidant activity....
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Research Article
Flexural Performance and Surface Hardness of
Filler-Modified PMMA Designed for Denture Base Applications
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, June 2026
Pages:
8-16
Received:
12 August 2026
Accepted:
26 August 2026
Published:
30 September 2026
Abstract: Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is widely used in denture base fabrication; however, its relatively low flexural strength (FS) and durability limit long-term clinical performance. Reinforcing with nanofillers such as Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance the material's mechanical properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different HNT loadings on the FS and surface hardness (VH) of PMMA denture base composites. PMMA composites were prepared using a heat-polymerised resin reinforced with treated HNTs at concentrations of 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 wt.%. To achieve uniform dispersion, the nanofillers were ultrasonically dispersed in methyl methacrylate before conventional polymerisation; the filler distribution and the effectiveness of silane functionalisation were examined through morphological and microchemical characterisation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Mechanical performance was assessed by determining FS via the three-point bending test, while VH was measured using the Vickers hardness method. Statistical analysis one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post hoc test, with significance set at p < 0.05 was performed, confirming that incorporating silane-treated HNTs significantly affected both tested properties (p < 0.05), with the highest values for FS (98.1 MPa) and hardness (20.20 kg/mm2) observed at 5 wt% HNT loading, representing substantial improvements over unmodified PMMA. At higher concentrations (7-9 wt.%), a decline in properties was observed, attributed to nanoparticle agglomeration and reduced interfacial efficiency. HNT reinforcement effectively enhances the mechanical performance of PMMA denture base materials, with 5 wt.% identified as the optimal concentration. These findings support the potential application of HNT-reinforced PMMA to improve durability and clinical longevity of denture prostheses.
Abstract: Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is widely used in denture base fabrication; however, its relatively low flexural strength (FS) and durability limit long-term clinical performance. Reinforcing with nanofillers such as Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance the material's mechanical properties. This study aimed to e...
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,
Umar Argungu Aminu
