Green Synthesis of CuO/ZnO Nanocomposites using Ficus Drupacea: In‐Vitro Antibacterial and Cytotoxicity Analysis

Abstract

With the increasing demand for environmentally friendly and effective biomedical solutions, the synthesis of nanoparticles with enhanced properties has become imperative. This study addresses this demand by employing a green method that utilizes Ficus Drupacea fruit extract to produce ZnO/CuO nanostructures, offering versatile biomedical applications. While several reports exist on the synthesis of nanostructures using plant extracts, this is the primary report on the utilization of Ficus Drupacea fruit extract for creating ZnO/CuO nanostructures. A series of five ZnO/CuO nanostructures (ZC0, ZC25, ZC50, ZC75, and ZC100) were synthesized by varying the proportion of CuO and ZnO. Through comprehensive characterization techniques including XRD (X‐Ray Diffraction), HR‐TEM (High‐Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy), and UV‐Vis spectroscopy, the successful synthesis and tunable properties of the nanostructures were confirmed, with average crystal sizes ranging from 14.32 nm to 38.61 nm. The study unveils the significant cytotoxicity of the synthesized nanostructures against MCF‐7 breast cancer cells, with ZC25 demonstrating the highest activity and an LC50 (Lethal Concentration 50) value below 50 μg/mL. Antimicrobial assays underscore the potent activity of ZC100 against Streptococcus mutans and Acinetobacter baumannii, with MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) values below 1.5 mg/mL. These findings emphasize the potential of these nanostructures for advanced biomedical applications.