Rapid synthesis of Bi2 O3 nano‐needles via 'green route' and evaluation of its anti‐fungal activity.

Here, the authors report a rapid, simple, and eco‐friendly process for synthesis of Bi2 O3 nano‐needles. Dioscorea alata tuber extract was used as both reducing and capping agent for the first time. These nanoparticles were characterised by X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, the nano‐structured Bi2 O3 needles have an average diameter of 158 nm with the lengths in the range of 1–3 μm. CLSI M27‐A2 standard was followed for evaluation of anti‐fungal activity. Bi2 O3 nano‐needles show remarkable activity against Candida albicans. It exhibits four time greater activity than bulk Bi2 O3 powder and two time greater activity than itraconazole, which makes it a potent anti‐fungal drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]