Effect of ZnO/gamma Chitosan Nanocomposites for Antifungal Activity on Phytophthora palmivora, a Disease-causing Fungus Using Para Rubber Trees
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.13154Keywords:
ZnO/gamma chitosan nanocomposites, Zinc oxide nanoparticles, Characterization, Phytophthora palmivora, Antifungal activity, Para rubber tree, DiseaseAbstract
In this study focused on the antifungal activity of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and ZnO/gamma chitosan nanocomposites (ZnO/g-Chi NCs) against Phytophthora palmivora, a disease-causing fungus that affects para rubber trees. The phase purity, crystallite size, morphology, chemical composition, and optical absorption properties of the synthesized materials were examined using various techniques. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed characteristic diffraction peaks corresponding to the crystal planes of the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO NPs, which have the particle size of 31 nm. Moreover, they have confirmed the composite of both ZnO NPs and g-chitosan. The FTIR spectroscopy was recorded the successful interaction between ZnO NPs (31 nm) and γ-chitosan (γ-Chi), which chitosan exposed to gamma radiation at sterilizing dosages of 40 kGy. The SEM and TEM images observed clusters of rod-shaped particulates for the ZnO/g-chitosan NCs; according to the EDS profile, they confirmed the synthesis of ZnO/g-chitosan NCs which found that nitrogen composition in the structure. UV-vis absorption spectra revealed a shift in the optical absorption toward lower wavelengths for the ZnO/g-Chi NCs (355 nm) than for the ZnO NPs (365 nm). Upon assessing the antifungal activity, the results showed that ZnO/g-Chi NCs were effective against P. palmivora, with an inhibition percentage of 90%. The SEM images showed that the damage to the fungal cell membrane caused by ZnO/g-Chi NCs treatment significantly altered the outer shape of P. palmivora. These findings indicated that g-chitosan and ZnO NPs may complement each other, exhibiting synergistic effects.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The study examined ZnO/gamma-chitosan nanocomposites (ZnO/γ-Chi NCs) antifungal efficacy against Phytophthora palmivora, a disease that affects para rubber trees.
- The characterization of ZnO/γ-Chi NCs was crystalline structure and rod-shaped clusters.
- The ZnO/γ-Chi NCs demonstrated a 90% inhibition of palmivora, and the SEM imaging showed significant damage to fungal cell membranes, altering their exterior morphology.
- The complementary properties of γ-chitosan and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) suggest promising synergistic potential for antifungal applications.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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