Biogenic synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles mediated by the extract of Simarouba glauca leaf and its multifaceted applications

Abstract

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are biosynthesized using aqueous leaf extract of Simarouba glauca DC. Proper characterization of these NPs is achieved through various state-of-the-art techniques. The UV–vis spectrum exhibits a characteristic peak at 364 nm, confirming ZnO NPs with a bandgap of 3.59 eV. FTIR analysis reveals the presence of Simarouba glauca DC. (S. glauca) biocomponents on ZnO NPs surface. XRD analysis suggests the formation of highly crystalline and pure hexagonal phase with an average crystallite size of 23 nm. FESEM image analysis emphasizes NPs to be hexagonal shape with little agglomeration. Moreover, the HRTEM image determines the average particle size of 49.44 nm which is derived from the particle size distributions, and an interplanar spacing of 0.248 nm. DLS analysis unveils the monodispersity of ZnO NPs with an average particle size of ∼56.84 nm, which is quite more than the particle size achieved from HRTEM and XRD analysis. The zeta potential of NPs is −13.24 mV, indicating its rational stability. These NPs exhibit higher photodegradation activity against methylene blue (80%) and rhodamine B (82%) under sunlight irradiation. The degradation paths of MB dye are identified through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. To explore its multidimensional applications in the field of medicine, NPs show potential antibacterial activity against a wide range of clinical gram-positive and gram-negative pathogenic bacterial strains. Furthermore, the anticancer activity of ZnO NPs is evaluated by SRB assay against A-549, HeLa, and PC3 cancer cells. Our findings elicit the therapeutic talents of the synthesized ZnO NPs.