Abstract

• The tin oxide nanoparticles (SnO2 NPs) were fabricated via eco-friendly process using lime (Citrus aurantifolia) peels extract as reducing agent. The main phytochemicals present in aqueous peels of lime are α–amino acid, carbohydrates, organic acids, glycosides, phenolic compound, reducing sugar, saponins, steroids and starch are responsible for bio-reduction of nanoparticles. The crystalline nature and lattice parameter was studied by x-ray diffraction (XRD) which confirmed the formation of tetragonal rutile SnO2 NPs with average crystallite size of 40.8 nm. The functional groups present in prepared SnO2 NPs were identified by using fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Surface morphology of prepared nanoparticles was studied with the help of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The percentage composition and purity of the SnO2 NPs was determined by energy dispersive x-ray (EDS). SnO2 NPs was screened against the selected microorganisms and the order of antimicrobial activities given as; Candida albicans > Bacillus subtilis > Escherichia coli.