The biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extracts of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius and their biological activities

ABSTRACT This study aims to biosynthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extracts of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius and investigate their biological activities. UV–Vis Spectroscopy, FT-IR, SEM and TEM were used for characterization. The antioxidant properties were determined using H2O2, NO, ABTS, FRAP and DPPH scavenging assays. For anti-inflammatory activities, membrane stabilization, albumin denaturation and proteinase inhibitory activity were assayed. The antibacterial effect was tested using well diffusion method. Statistical analyses were done using ANOVA. Synthesized nanoparticles showed an intensity peak at 378 nm in UV–Vis Spectroscopy. FT-IR shows the presence of O-H stretching, C = C bending, O-H bending and C–N stretching functional groups of the stabilizing action of the plant extract on the surface of the nanoparticles. NPs were shown to be spherical by SEM analysis, and the sizes were 100 nm by TEM analysis. The antioxidant properties of ZnO NPs compared to ascorbic acid standard showed significant antioxidant potential in H2O2, NO, ABTS, FRAP and DPPH scavenging assays. ZnO NPs showed excellent anti-inflammatory activity with the synthesized ZnO NPs performing better in membrane stabilization. Clinical pathogens were inhibited by ZnO NPs when compared with Cefuroxime, a standard drug. These efficient biological activities could be utilized in several biological applications. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT