Green way biosynthesis: Characterization, antimicrobial and anticancer activity of ZnO nanoparticles

Abstract

Since prehistoric times, medicinal plants have been discovered and used in traditional practices. Indian traditional medicine uses leaves of Ocimum americanum to treat malaria, diarrhea, bronchitis, dermal diseases, fertility, cancer, diabetes, fungal and microbial infections. It also exhibits analgesic, cardioprotective, antispasmodic and adaptogenic functions. In the recent decades, Zinc oxide (ZnO) nano materials have been a popular metal oxide in biomedical applications especially, in the field of anticancer and antimicrobial therapies due to their unique advantages and hence have received much recognition in the pharma sector. Therefore in the mentioned study, ZnO nanomaterials were produced by O. americanum leaf extracts primarily via eco- friendly method. The presence of synthesized ZnO nanoparticles was proven by diverse spectroscopic techniques. The antimicrobial efficiency of synthesized ZnO nanoparticles show potential activity against Gram +ve (Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens), Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella Paratyphi) bacteria and fungi (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger) when evaluated by agar well method. Anti -proliferative activity was read at a concentration of 31.2 μg against human skin cancer cell lines (A431) by MTT assay. The cell cycle study, apoptosis assay of cells by flow cytometry and DNA fragmentation analysis proved prominent DNA fragmentation and promoted apoptosis by increasing membrane permeability. Thus Zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized through O. americanum have proven to be promising pharmaceutical agents, those could serve as alternatives for antibiotics and chemotherapeutic elements if specifically tailored further.