Title
Green synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles using Opuntia ficus indica fruit peel extract and evaluation of their antibacterial activity
Authors
ASSIA BESSI, SLIMANE OUADFEUL, NORA YAHI, LAMINE AOUDJIT and ADEL KHECHA

Received October 22, 2025
Published Volume 60 Issue 5-6 May-June
Keywords TiO2 nanoparticles, Opuntia ficus indica, green synthesis, antimicrobial

Abstract
The green synthesis pathway is cost-effective, environmentally benign (using non-toxic materials), and frequently produces better results than traditional methods. In the current study, an extract from a by-product such as the peel of Opuntia ficus indica (OFI) fruits was used in an improved phyto-synthesis process to create TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs). With the aid of stabilizing molecules found in the extract, titanium isopropoxide (TiTP) functions as a precursor of titanium to create TiO2 NPs. To characterize the appearance and structure of the synthesized nanoparticles, a range of analytical methods was utilized. The techniques employed encompassed X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), in addition to scanning electron microscopy paired with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM with EDX) and zeta potential analysis. Grampositive Bacillus subtilis and Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria were effectively inhibited by the as-prepared TiO2. Nanoparticles prepared by this phyto-synthesis method may be thus suitable for a wide range of biological and medicinal applications.