Comparative Evaluation of Biomedical Applications of Zinc Nanoparticles Synthesized by Using Withania somnifera Plant Extracts

Abstract

Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles is of great importance in the modern health care system. In this study, zinc nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized using leaf and root extracts of Withania somnifera using four different solvents. ZnONPs were characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometer with a range between 350–400 nm. Scanning electron microscope revealed spherical morphology with an overall size of 70–90 nm and XRD pattern confirmed the crystalline structure. The total flavonoids, phenolic, and alkaloid contents were significantly greater in the crude extracts as compared to ZnONPs. The highest scavenging activity was observed in ZnONPs from n-hexane and ethyl-acetate extracts of roots with IC50 values of 27.36 µg/mL and 39.44 µg/mL, respectively. ZnONPs from methanol and aqueous extracts showed significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis while none of the extracts were found to have significant antifungal activity. Maximum cytotoxic activity was observed in ZnONPs synthesized from aqueous and n-hexane root extracts with LC50 values of 9.36 µg/mL and 18.84 µg/mL, respectively. The highest antidiabetic potential was exhibited by ZnONPs from n-hexane leaf extracts, i.e., 47.67 ± 0.25%. Maximum protein kinase inhibitory potential was observed in ZnONPs of ethyl-acetate extract of roots with a bald zone of 12 mm. These results indicated that Withania somnifera-based ZnONPs showed significant biological activities compared to crude extracts. These findings can further be utilized for in-vivo analysis of nano-directed drug delivery systems.

Phytogenic-Mediated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using the Seed Extract of Citrullus lanatus and Its Integrated Potency against Multidrug Resistant Bacteria

“…The mixture was then filtered through Whatman No. 1 filter paper and was further used for the synthesis of ZnO-NPs …”

“…The cells at the bottom of the tube were harvested, cleaned with 70% ethanol, and then placed in a Petri dish. The precipitate, which was therefore obtained as a dried form, was kept in a glass container at 4 °C and covered with aluminum foil to shield it from the daylight …”

“…1 filter paper and was further used for the synthesis of ZnO-NPs. 35 In a glass reagent bottle, approximately 30 mL of the C. lanatus filtrate was mixed with 30 mL of 1 mM ZnSO 4 •7H 2 O and gently shaken until a solution was formed. The pH was brought to 12 by adding 1 mM NaOH, after which the mixture was subjected to centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 5 min.…”

“…The precipitate, which was therefore obtained as a dried form, was kept in a glass container at 4 °C and covered with aluminum foil to shield it from the daylight. 35 2.8. Characterization of ZnO-NPs.…”

“…The resulting crude extracts were then prepared into final activity solutions using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a solvent before undergoing further analysis. 35 2.5. Phytochemical Analysis of Seed Extracts of C. lanatus.…”