US126: Development Of A Sustainable Air Freshener Gel Using Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

SYED MUZAFFARSHA BIN SYED AKMAL Universiti Kuala Lumpur Royal College Medicine Perak

This study demonstrates the eco-friendly synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Orthosiphon aristatus leaf extract. Comprehensive characterization via UV-Vis, FTIR, SEM, DLS, and EDX confirmed successful nanoparticle formation with moderate colloidal stability. The ZnO NPs exhibited significant dose-dependent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with maximum inhibition zones of 15 mm. Synergistic combinations with conventional antibiotics reduced microbial resistance by up to 70.27% against MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antioxidant assays showed 80.43% DPPH inhibition at 500 µg/mL. Integration into a lavender-scented gel air freshener demonstrated effective odour neutralization, antimicrobial activity, and product stability, highlighting the potential of plant-mediated ZnO NPs as sustainable multifunctional agents.