Rapid synthesis of Bi <b> ₂ </b> O <b> ₃ </b> nano‐needles via ‘green route’ and evaluation of its anti‐fungal activity

Abstract

Here, the authors report a rapid, simple, and eco-friendly process for synthesis of Bi₂O₃ nano-needles. <i>Dioscorea alata</i> tuber extract was used as both reducing and capping agent for the first time. These nanoparticles were characterised by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, the nano-structured Bi₂O₃ needles have an average diameter of 158 nm with the lengths in the range of 1-3 μm. CLSI M27-A2 standard was followed for evaluation of anti-fungal activity. Bi₂O₃ nano-needles show remarkable activity against <i>Candida albicans</i>. It exhibits four time greater activity than bulk Bi₂O₃ powder and two time greater activity than itraconazole, which makes it a potent anti-fungal drug.