Eco-friendly development of Leucas aspera-derived MoO${}_3$ nanoparticles. Corrosion studies and multifunctional applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry

This study introduces a novel, eco-friendly approach for synthesizing molybdenum trioxide (MoO${}_3$) nanoparticles using Leucas aspera leaf extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent, presenting a sustainable alternative to traditional methods. The synthesis results in molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles with well-defined structural and morphological properties, confirmed through advanced characterization techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Notably, the molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi, significant antioxidant potential, and promising performance as corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in acidic environments, making them suitable for a range of biomedical and industrial applications. Additionally, these nanoparticles enhanced seed germination and growth in agricultural trials, establishing their potential as natural growth stimulants. This study highlights the unique multifunctionality of molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles across diverse fields such as medicine, agriculture, environmental remediation, and corrosion protection, offering new avenues for future research and practical applications.