Green synthesis device for cerium oxide nanoparticles using Calotropis procera extract and its antibacterial potential

Abstract

A biogenic nanoparticle synthesis device for the environmentally friendly synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles using Calotropis procera leaf extract, consisting of an extraction unit, a reaction chamber, a gel formation zone, a calcination unit and a purification module.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to nanotechnology, in particular an environmentally friendly synthesis device for the production of cerium oxide nanoparticles. More precisely, it is a biogenic system for the green synthesis and purification of cerium oxide nanoparticles using Calotropis procera leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. This ensures high-quality, non-toxic nanoparticles suitable for antibacterial and biomedical applications. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Nanoparticles, particularly metal oxides such as cerium oxide (CeO2), are gaining increasing importance due to their remarkable catalytic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Conventional synthesis methods—such as chemical precipitation, sol-gel processes, and hydrothermal techniques—often rely on toxic chemicals, high temperatures, and complex equipment, posing environmental and economic challenges. These conventional processes contribute to chemical waste generation and increase production costs, hindering sustainable large-scale synthesis. Green synthesis methods using plant extracts have recently emerged as environmentally friendly alternatives. Plant biomolecules, including phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids, act as natural reducing and stabilizing agents, enabling nanoparticle formation under mild conditions.Calotropis procera, a widely used medicinal plant, contains bioactive phytochemicals that can reduce metal ions and stabilize nanoparticles. However, an integrated system or apparatus capable of standardizing and optimizing such green synthesis methods to ensure consistent nanoparticle quality and reproducibility is still lacking.

[0003] The present invention closes this gap by providing a biogenic nanoparticle synthesis apparatus that enables the production, reaction and purification of cerium oxide nanoparticles using Calotropis procera extract in an environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and scalable manner. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention provides an environmentally friendly nanoparticle synthesis apparatus that produces cerium oxide nanoparticles using Calotropis procera leaf extract as a biogenic reduction and stabilization medium. The system integrates modules for controlled extraction, reaction, gelation, calcination, and purification to ensure consistent nanoparticle morphology, purity, and antibacterial activity.

[0005] The apparatus requires no chemical reducing agents or hazardous solvents and operates entirely according to the principles of green chemistry. By combining a temperature-controlled extractor, an automated mixing chamber, and a calcination unit, the device enables efficient nanoparticle formation with minimal environmental impact. The purified nanoparticles exhibit excellent dispersion stability, crystallinity, and antibacterial properties, thus demonstrating potential for applications in medical coatings, disinfectants, and wound dressings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] The invention describes a biogenic nanoparticle synthesis system with an integrated extraction unit, reaction chamber, gelation zone, calcination unit, and purification module. All components are designed to operate sequentially to produce cerium oxide nanoparticles from Calotropis procera leaf extract.

[0007] The extraction unit consists of a thermostatically controlled chamber with a mechanical stirrer. Dried and powdered Calotropis procera leaves are mixed with distilled water to produce a bioextract. The temperature is maintained between 60 °C and 80 °C to ensure optimal extraction of the phytochemicals.

[0008] The reaction chamber is located downstream of the extractor. The cerium nitrate precursor solution is introduced here. The controlled addition of the metal salt to the bioextract initiates nanoparticle nucleation. The chamber is equipped with sensors to monitor pH, temperature, and reaction time to ensure uniform gel formation.

[0009] The gel formation zone stabilizes the nanoparticle-precursor complex. After the reaction is complete, the gel is transferred to the calcination unit, a temperature-controlled oven that removes organic residues and crystallizes the nanoparticles at 400–500 °C. This process yields pure cerium oxide nanoparticles.

[0010] The purification module comprises a centrifugation system and an ethanol washing chamber that remove impurities and unreacted biomolecules. The purified nanoparticles are then collected and dried for characterization and application.

[0011] The integrated data monitoring system records reaction parameters such as pH, temperature, and reaction time, thus enabling reproducibility and quality control. The resulting cerium oxide nanoparticles exhibit high purity, uniform morphology, and excellent antibacterial efficacy against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

[0012] The device operates with low energy consumption and produces zero chemical waste, thus offering an efficient, scalable, and sustainable alternative to conventional nanoparticle synthesis methods.

Claims

[1] A biogenic nanoparticle synthesis device for the environmentally friendly synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles using Calotropis procera leaf extract, consisting of an extraction unit, a reaction chamber, a gel formation zone, a calcination unit and a purification module. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the extraction unit is regulated to a temperature between 60 °C and 80 °C and is equipped with a mechanical stirrer to ensure uniform extraction of phytochemicals from Calotropis procera leaves. [3] Device according to claim 1, wherein the calcination unit operates at a controlled temperature between 400 °C and 500 °C to produce crystalline cerium oxide nanoparticles with a uniform size distribution and high purity. [4] Device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning module comprises a centrifugation and ethanol washing system for removing impurities and provides environmentally friendly nanoparticles with improved antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.