Synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles using okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) fruit extract: Antibacterial efficacy for textile applications

The increasing threat of microbial infections on surfaces has created a critical demand for effective antimicrobial textiles. This research addresses this need by fabricating a nanocomposite textile with antimicrobial functionality, incorporating cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co₃O₄ NPs) synthesized through an eco-friendly and cost-efficient method utilizing okra fruit (OF) extract. In the initial phase, the produced cobalt oxide nanoparticles underwent characterization using appropriate analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Zeta potential and dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique. The results showed that a homogeneous shape with a rod-like structure in the diameter range from 4 to 11 nm. spectroscopy revealed a distinct absorption band at 551 cm⁻¹, which corresponds to the stretching vibrations of the cobalt–oxygen (Co–O) bond. OF-Co₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs), at 200 μL, exhibited notable antibacterial activity, forming inhibition zones measuring 27 mm against S. aureus and 24 mm against E. coli. Following antimicrobial assessment, cotton fabrics were impregnated with an OF-Co₃O₄ NP solution at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL. At this dosage, the treated fabrics demonstrated strong antibacterial properties, reducing bacterial growth by 81.8% for S. aureus and 76.5% for E. coli. KEY WORDS: Cobalt oxide nanoparticles, Phyto-synthesis, Antibacterial, Medical textiles Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2026, 40(3), 641-654.                    DOI:   https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v40i3.11