Biogenic Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Citrullus colocynthis for Potential Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Green nanoparticle synthesis is considered the most efficient and safe nanoparticle synthesis method, both economically and environmentally. The current research was focused on synthesizing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) from fruit and leaf extracts of Citrullus colocynthis. Four solvents (n-hexane, methanol, ethyl acetate, and aqueous) were used to prepare the extracts from both plant parts by maceration and extraction. Zinc acetate was used to synthesize the nanoparticles (NPs), and color change indicated the synthesis of ZnONPs. X-ray diffraction, UV spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the ZnONPs. UV–visible spectroscopy revealed an absorbance peak in the 350–400 nm range. XRD patterns revealed the face-centered cubic structure of the ZnONPs. SEM confirmed a spherical morphology and a size range between 64 and 82 nm. Phytochemical assays confirmed that the complete flavonoid, phenolic, and alkaloid concentrations were higher in unrefined solvent extracts than in nanoparticles. Nanoparticles of C. colocynthis fruit aqueous extracts showed stronger antioxidant activity compared with the crude extracts. Strong antifungal activity was exhibited by the leaves, crude extracts, and nanoparticles of the n-hexane solvent. In a protein kinase inhibition assay, the maximum bald zone was revealed by nanoparticles of ethyl acetate extracts from leaves. The crude extracts and nanoparticles of leaves showed high cytotoxic activities of the n-hexane solvent, with LC50 values of 42.08 and 46.35, respectively. Potential antidiabetic activity was shown by the n-hexane (93.42%) and aqueous (82.54%) nanoparticles of the fruit. The bioactivity of the plant showed that it is a good candidate for therapeutic use. The biosynthesized ZnONPs showed promising antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, and antioxidant properties. Additionally, the in vivo assessment of a nano-directed drug delivery system for future therapeutic use can be conducted based on this study.

Cutting-edge developments in zinc oxide nanoparticles: synthesis and applications for enhanced antimicrobial and UV protection in healthcare solutions

“…In a very recent study, Kiani et al (2023) evaluated the structural and chemical properties of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized from Citrullus colocynthis extracts. 75 The nanoparticles exhibited a spherical morphology with a size range between 64 and 82 nm and conrmed the presence of ZnO crystalline structure. Additionally, the nanoparticles demonstrated high purity and stability, indicating the effectiveness of the green synthesis approach in producing well-dened nanoparticles.…”

Biofabrication of nanoparticles: sources, synthesis, and biomedical applications

“… Kiani et al, (2023) synthesized ZnO NPs using leaf and fruit extracts of Citrullus colocynthis . These biogenic NPs resulted in a spherical surface morphology with a size range between 64 and 82 nm, as confirmed by SEM analysis ( Figure 3 ).…”

“…The mean ± SD is expressed as */# p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01. Modified from ( Kiani et al, 2023 ) CC BY license.…”

Sustainable Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Banana Peel and Date Seed Extracts, Characterization, and Cytotoxicity Evaluation

“…Nowadays, it is known that ZnONPs are commonly used in biomedical applications, antibacterial agents, sunscreen, dietary supplements, food additives, and semiconductor materials [2,45]. Therefore, it is important to assess their biocompatibility with biological organisms.…”