Rutin-Mediated Synthesis of Zr-Mg@N-rGO Nanocomposites with Potent Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities

In present study, a novel Zr-Mg@N-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) nanocomposite was synthesized using a green, sustainable approach. Rutin, a natural polyphenolic flavonoid, was employed as a reducing and stabilizing agent, enabling the eco-friendly fabrication of the nanocomposite without the use of harsh chemicals. The synthesized material was thoroughly characterized using multiple techniques. UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed nanoparticle formation and optical properties; FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of functional groups associated with rutin and metal-oxygen bonds; XRD patterns indicated the crystalline nature of ZrO2 and MgO phases embedded within the rGO matrix; SEM and EDAX analyses confirmed the morphological features and elemental composition, while DLS and zeta potential measurements indicated good colloidal stability and moderate mono dispersity. The nanocomposite exhibited significant bacterial (Actinomyces israelii, Proteus vulgaris) and fungal (Candida albicans, Trichoderma) pathogens with increasing inhibition zones observed at higher concentrations. Antioxidant potential was evaluated via DPPH, H2O2 and NO assays, where the nanocomposite demonstrated dose-dependent free radical scavenging activity, attributed to the presence of rutin and synergistic metal-oxide interaction. Overall, the synthesized Zr-Mg@N-rGO nanocomposite offers a multifunctional platform with potential applications in biomedical, environmental and optoelectronic fields.