Synthesis of Novel Iron Nanoparticles Using the Aqueous Extract of the Pumpkin Plant and Their Use in the Treatment of Burns

The study investigated the synthesis of iron nanoparticles using pumpkin aqueous extract and their application in treating burns. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV spectroscopy, AFM, SEM, FTIR, and XRD, confirming their successful synthesis. These nanoparticles demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against common burn-infecting bacteria, with the highest inhibition observed against Ps. aeruginosa (42.8%) and Staph. aureus (28.73%). Additionally, a peak at 479.2 nm was identified in the UV spectrum, indicating the presence of the nanoparticles. The iron nanoparticles also showed high efficacy in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. In vivo tests on laboratory mice revealed that the nanoparticles not only promoted burn healing but also enhanced hair growth when compared to control groups treated with standard burn ointment and pumpkin aqueous extract alone.