Green ZnO Research Articles

Advances in antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles against Staphylococcus aureus (Review).

Nanoparticles (NPs) are one of the promising strategies to deal with bacterial infections. As the main subset of NPs, metal and metal oxide NPs show destructive power against bacteria by releasing metal ions, direct contact of cell membranes and antibiotic delivery. Recently, a number of researchers have focused on the antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Currently, there is a lack of a comprehensive review on ZnO NPs against S. aureus. Therefore, in this review, the antibacterial activity against S. aureus of ZnO NPs made by various synthetic methods was summarized, particularly the green synthetic ZnO NPs. The synergistic antibacterial effect against S. aureus of ZnO NPs with antibiotics was also summarized. Furthermore, the present review also emphasized the enhanced activities against S. aureus of ZnO nanocomposites, nano-hybrids and functional ZnO NPs.

Green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and biological applications as broad-spectrum bactericidal, antibiofilm effects and biocompatibility studies on Zebrafish embryo

This work generated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Ocimum tenuiflorum in an inexpensive and environmentally friendly manner. The generated ZnO NPs were analysed using Ultra visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy-Energy X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Bio-synthesized ZnO NPs showed UV–Visible absorbance maxima at 290 nm, indicating bio reduction and stability. The DRS spectra revealed a straight band gap value of 3.24 eV. Alcohols, alkanes, phenols, and amines in FTIR may contain reduced and capped zinc ions. Crystalline ZnO nanoparticles were verified by XRD. Biosynthesized ZnO NPs were exhibited in spherical and 5–35.49 nm in size by FESEM and TEM. EDX confirmed NPs zinc elemental signatures. Antibacterial properties showed that ZnO NPs effectively inhibited gram (+ve) and gram (−ve) pathogens, including E. coli (20.0 ± 0.8 mm), E. faecalis (20.0 ± 0.5 mm), S. aureus (18.01 ± 1.2 mm), and S. mutans (17.5 ± 1.0 mm). This study shows that biosynthesized ZnO NPs inhibit biofilm growth by 0.198–1.431 O.D values (Optical density). Antibiofilm inhibition was concentration-dependent. Nanoparticles proved effective against E. coli, S. mutans, S. aureus, and E. faecalis with MICs of 15 and 25 µg/mL. Time-dependent death kinetic studies indicated that 8–12 h ZnO NPs killed all bacteria. Also, ZnO NPs had low harmful effects on zebrafish eggs at doses upto 1 mg/mL. In summary, the production of green ZnO NPs offers a sustainable and biocompatible approach that is well-suited for various biological applications.

Sustainable Green Synthesis and Molecular Docking Study of a Bis-Fused System Incorporating Pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine using Nanocatalyst under Microwave Condition

Aims: This study aimed to employ sustainable green methods in the synthesis of bisfused cycles incorporating pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine moiety using a green catalyst nano ZnO catalyst by one-pot, multicomponent reaction among 2,2'-(propane-1,3-diylbis(sulfanediyl)) bis(6-aminopyrimidin-4(3H)-one) 3, 1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione 4, and aromatic aldehydes 5. Method: The reactions proceeded with both conventional and microwave (MW) irradiation methods. Result:: The microwave-assisted method carried out the reaction in 10 min and had high yields (89-95%). Conclusion: A molecular docking simulation study was conducted using human serum albumin (PDB: ID (2XVQ)). The study revealed that compounds strongly fit into the active sites of the target protein.

Utilizing green zinc oxide nanoparticles as a sensing platform for ascorbic acid

We prepared zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) via a green synthesis and used them for the fluorescence sensing of ascorbic acid (AA). For obtaining these nanoparticles, we used an extract from Batavia lettuce as a reducing agent for zinc acetate in a simple, fast, and environmentally friendly synthesis. The ZnO NPs were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), photoluminescence, point of zero-charge (pHpzc), and chromaticity studies. We verified that the ZnO NPs had an average diameter of 6 nm, with a wurtzite crystalline structure, and when excited at 320 nm emitted radiation in the blue region. The methodology for AA detection is based on the observed increase in fluorescence of the molecule complex formed on the ZnO NPs surface after 20 min of interaction. The results indicated that the proposed technique of analysis is fast, simple, and highly sensitive, with a detection limit for AA of 5.15 μM. Furthermore, the nanoparticles presented excellent photostability for at least 30 days, and low sensitivity to other biological organic molecules. The green ZnO NPs also exhibited an efficient response to the presence of AA in actual complex samples, suggesting that the platform here proposed can find use in clinical analysis protocols.

The Biological Activity of Green Synthesis ZnO nanoparticles by Citrus Sinensis Fruit Peels against Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Skin Infections

The Biological Activity of Green Synthesis ZnO nanoparticles by Citrus Sinensis Fruit Peels against Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Skin Infections

Nanocomposite Films of Babassu Coconut Mesocarp and Green ZnO Nanoparticles for Application in Antimicrobial Food Packaging.

In this work, novel nanocomposite films based on babassu coconut mesocarp and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), synthesized by a green route, were produced for application as food packaging films. The films were prepared using the casting method containing different contents of ZnO NPs (0 wt%, 0.1 wt%, 0.5 wt%, and 1.0 wt%). The films were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), instrumental color analysis, and optical properties. The water vapor permeability (WVP) and tensile strength of films were also determined. The antimicrobial activity of the films against cooked turkey ham samples contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus was investigated. The results showed that incorporating ZnO NPs into babassu mesocarp matrices influenced the structure of the biopolymer chains and the color of the films. The BM/ZnO-0.5 film (0.5 wt% ZnO NPs) showed better thermal, mechanical, and WVP properties. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of babassu mesocarp and ZnO NPs in the BM/ZnO-0.5 film improved the antimicrobial properties of the material, reducing the microbial count of S. aureus in cooked turkey ham samples stored under refrigeration for 7 days. Thus, the films produced in this study showed promising antimicrobial packaging materials for processed foods.

Cytotoxicity of green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles using Musa acuminata on Vero cells

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have become a highly regarded substance in various industries especially biologically synthesized ZnO NPs due to their adherence to the principles of green chemistry. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential cytotoxic effects of ZnO NPs on biological systems. This study aimed to investigate and compare the cytotoxicity of ZnO NPs that were synthesized through chemical (C–ZnO NPs) and green approach using Musa acuminata leaf aqueous extract (Ma-ZnO NPs) on Vero cells.Characterization of ZnO NPs through Uv–Vis, FESEM, EDX, XRD, FTIR and XPS confirmed the successful synthesis of C- and Ma-ZnO NPs. MTT and ROS assays revealed that C- and Ma-ZnO NPs induced a concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxic effect on Vero cells. Remarkably, Ma-ZnO NPs showed significantly higher cell viability compared to C–ZnO NPs. The corelation of ROS and vell viability suggest that elevated ROS levels can lead to cell damage and even cell death. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that Ma-ZnO NPs exposed cells had more viable cells and a smaller cell population in the late and early apoptotic stage. Furthermore, more cells were arrested in the G1 phase upon exposure to C–ZnO NPs, which is associated with oxidative stress and DNA damage caused by ROS generation, proving its higher cytotoxicity than Ma-ZnO NPs. Similarly, time-dependent cytotoxicity and morphological alterations were observed in C- and Ma-ZnO NPs treated cells, indicating cellular damage. Furthermore, fluorescence microscopy also demonstrated a time-dependent increase in ROS formation in cells exposed to C- and Ma-ZnO NPs.In conclusion, the findings suggest that green ZnO NPs possess a favourable biocompatibility profile, exhibiting reduced cytotoxicity compared to chemically synthesized ZnO NPs on Vero cells. These results emphasize the potential of green synthesis methods for the development of safer and environmentally friendly ZnO NPs.

A Novel Study on Antioxidant Activity and Catalytic Reduction of Methylene Blue using ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized via the Middle Part of Walnut Shell (Juglans regia) Extract

Abstract: The synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, FTIR, and TEM analysis. The catalytic activity of the prepared green catalyst ZnO nanoparticles was also investigated in the dye methylene blue (MB) decomposition. The catalytic decomposition reaction completed within 20 minutes, demonstrating the excellent catalytic properties of ZnO nanoparticles in reducing MB. This research describes the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using an extract of the middle part of a walnut shell (Juglans regia). The antioxidant activities (radical capture capacity) of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) assay at different ZnO nanoparticle concentrations, and the radical capture activity was achieved at IC50 = 146.32 μg / mL. The radical capture activity was achieved at IC50 = 146.32 μg / mL. The biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles was caused by hydroxide precipitation at room temperature after calcination at 450°C.

Characterization of Green ZnO Supported Curcumin Intercalated Bentonite (ZnO@CU/BEN) as Environmental Catalysts for Effective Oxidation of 5-Fluorouracil Residuals: Pathway and Toxicity

Characterization of Green ZnO Supported Curcumin Intercalated Bentonite (ZnO@CU/BEN) as Environmental Catalysts for Effective Oxidation of 5-Fluorouracil Residuals: Pathway and Toxicity

Green fabrication of ZnO nanoparticles via spirulina platensis and its efficiency against biofilm forming pathogens

Excessive consumption of antibiotics is considered one of the top public health threats, this necessitates the development of new compounds that can hamper the spread of infections. A facile green technology for the biosynthesis of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using the methanol extract of Spirulina platensis as a reducing and stabilizing agent has been developed. A bunch of spectroscopic and microscopic investigations confirmed the biogenic generation of nano-scaled ZnO with a mean size of 19.103 ± 5.66 nm. The prepared ZnO NPs were scrutinized for their antibacterial and antibiofilm potentiality, the inhibition zone diameters ranged from 12.57 ± 0.006 mm to 17.33 ± 0.006 mm (at 20 µg/mL) for a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, also significant eradication of the biofilms formed by Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae by 96.7% and 94.8% respectively was detected. The free radical scavenging test showed a promising antioxidant capacity of the biogenic ZnO NPs (IC50=78.35 µg/mL). Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory role detected using the HRBCs-MSM technique revealed an efficient stabilization of red blood cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the biogenic ZnO NPs have significant anticoagulant and antitumor activities as well as minimal cytotoxicity against Vero cells. Thus, this study offered green ZnO NPs that can act as a secure substitute for synthetic antimicrobials and could be applied in numerous biomedical applications.

Tecoma stans floral extract-mediated synthesis of MgFe2O4/ZnO nanoparticles for adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of coomassie brilliant blue dye.

Toxic organic dyes-containing wastewater treatment by adsorption and photocatalytic techniques is widely applied, but adsorbents and photocatalysts are often synthesized through chemical methods, leading to secondary pollution by released chemicals. Here, we report a benign method using Tecoma stans floral extract to produce MgFe2O4/ZnO (MGFOZ) nanoparticles for adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of coomassie brilliant blue (CBB) dye. Green MGFOZ owned a surface area of 9.65 m2/g and an average grain size of 54 nm. This bio-based nanomaterial showed higher removal percentage and better recyclability (up to five cycles) than green MgFe2O4 and ZnO nanoparticles. CBB adsorption by MGFOZ was examined by kinetic and isotherm models with better fittings of Bangham and Langmuir or Temkin. RSM-based optimization was conducted to reach an actual adsorption capacity of 147.68 mg/g. Moreover, MGFOZ/visible light system showed a degradation efficiency of 89% CBB dye after 120 min. CBB adsorption can be controlled by both physisorption and chemisorption while •O2- and •OH radicals are responsible for photo-degradation of CBB dye. This study suggested that MGFOZ can be a promising adsorbent and catalyst for removal of organic dyes in water.

Bioinspired Stevia rebaudiana Green Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for the Adsorptive Removal of Antibiotics from Water.

Green zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized using Stevia rebaudiana as a reducing agent were investigated as ecofriendly adsorbents for the removal of the antibiotics ciprofloxacin (CIP) and tetracycline (TET) from water. Green ZnO NPs were synthesized using a rapid novel approach that did not require annealing or calcination at high temperatures to produce mesoporous NPs with a size range of 37.36-71.33 nm, a specific surface area of 15.28 m2/g, and a negative surface charge of -15 mV at pH 5. The green ZnO NPs exhibited an antioxidant activity of 85.57% at 250 μg/mL and an antibacterial activity with MIC and MBC of 50 and 100 mg/mL, respectively, against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The best adsorption performance was achieved using a 4 g/L dose and pH 5, yielding, respectively, 86.77 ± 0.82% removal and 27.07 ± 0.26 mg/g adsorption capacity for CIP at 10 mg/L and 67.86 ± 3.41% and 15.88 ± 0.37 mg/g for TET at 25 mg/L. The green ZnO NPs achieved 79.71% ± 0.28 and 61.55% ± 0.53 removal of 10 mg/L CIP and 25 mg/L TET, respectively, in a spiked tap water binary system of the two contaminants. Adsorption of CIP and TET occurred mainly via electrostatic interactions, whereby CIP was bound more strongly than TET by virtue of its charge and size. The synthesis and adsorption processes were evaluated by a stepwise regression statistical model to optimize their parameters. Lastly, the green ZnO NPs were regenerated and reused for 5 cycles, indicating their functionality as simple, reusable, and low-cost adsorbents for the removal of CIP and TET from wastewater, in accordance with SDGs #6 and 12 for the sustainable management of water.

Antitumor activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles fused with green extract of Nigella sativa

Zinc oxide nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention as promising candidates in various fields, especially in the realm of medical science. In the present experimental study, the co-precipitation method was used to synthesize chemical and green ZnO NPs. Zinc nitrate Zn (NO3)2 served as the main precursor, while sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and Nigella sativa extract were used to synthesize chemical and green Zinc Oxide nanoparticle, respectively. Then, the chemical and green fabricated Zinc Oxide nanoparticles were subjected to annealing at 400 °C and 550 °C temperature for a period of 2 hours respectively. After final product obtained, various characterization techniques were employed to validate the crystal structure, morphology, optical properties, and functional groups (e.g., OH stretching group, ZnO mode, etc.) via XRD, SEM, UV–Vis, and FTIR analysis. The Scherer formula was applied to calculate the average crystalline size of green and chemical fabricated Zinc Oxide nanoparticles, which confirmed the presence of the hexagonal wurtzite phase. Moreover, the fabricated products were finally tested for anticancer activity using MTT assay by optimizing cellular absorption against concentration. The MTT assay confirmed significant antitumor/anticancer efficacy against HepG2 cancer cells for both green actively and chemical fabricated Zinc Oxide nanoparticles superficial. The current development of this novel experimental strategy is anticipated to make a substantial contribution in the field of biomedical sciences, particularly in anticancer activity.

Synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic activities of green sol-gel ZnO nanoparticles using Abelmoschus esculentus and Salvia officinalis: A comparative study versus co-precipitation-synthesized nanoparticles

BackgroundThe development of green chemistry methods involving plant-based nanoparticle synthesis presents an affordable and eco-friendly approach for wastewater treatment and color removal. This study aimed to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles using the sol-gel method with Salvia officinalis and Abelmoschus esculentus plants, examining their photocatalytic efficiency for organic dye removal. MethodsTo compare the properties of ZnO nanoparticles, another type of ZnO-NPs was synthesized using the co-precipitation method. The characterization of synthesized nanoparticles was performed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA-DTG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta potential (ZP), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV–Vis spectrophotometry. ResultsBased on XRD results, the average crystalline size of nanoparticles was calculated using the Debye-Scherer equation for synthesized nanoparticles using the S. officinalis at 22.99 nm and for the A. esculentus at 29.79 nm, and for the co-precipitation method at 18.83 nm. The FE-SEM images showed spherical ZnO nanoparticles. Photocatalytic properties of ZnO-NPs were investigated for remove of methylene blue organic dye in the presence of UV light. The pH 10 was identified as the best pH, which had the highest percentage of color degradation. All three types of nanoparticles were tested by up to 360 min to optimize the dyeing time. For A. esculentus, the highest percentage of color removal occurred in the first 90 min (41.0 %), for S. officinalis nanoparticles between 75 and 90 min (86.9 %), and for chemically synthesized nanoparticles between 30 and 45 min (100 %). ConclusionsIn conclusion, the best MB dye degradation capacity belonged to co-precipitation ZnO nanoparticles followed by S. officinalis and A. esculentus nanoparticles.

Biogenic synthesis of ZnO from Rubia cordifolia root extract: A study on sono-photocatalytic dye degradation and anti-bacterial assay

ZnO is a semiconductor metal oxide with unique antibacterial and photocatalytic properties. Green synthesis of nanoparticle is environmentally friendly procedure, imparting multiple properties to the nanoparticles (NPs). This study reports Rubia cordifolia root extract mediated ZnO NP synthesis. Synthesised NPs were analysed for antibacterial properties and sonication assisted photocatalytic dye degradation experiments were performed. Synthesised ZnO NPs were characterized employing UV-VIS spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) followed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis and was compared with commercial grade ZnO. UV-VIS adsorption peak of NPs was found at 375 nm with a bandgap of 3.2 eV. The NPs reveals to have a crystalline size of 17.54 nm with a hexagonal wurtzite structure and clustered flakes with rose petal morphology were identified through XRD and SEM analysis respectively. The green ZnO possesses good antibacterial properties against both gram positive (Staphyllococcus aureus) and gram negative bacteria (E.coli). Study on the effectiveness of synthesised ZnO for ultrasound sonication-assisted photocatalysis over normal photocatalytic degradation were carried out through response surface methodology with face central composite design. The regression models (R2adj > 90 % and R2pred > 90 %) were confirmed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), and optimization was performed. The green ZnO nanoparticle was capable of degrading alizarine red up to 92.89 % and rhodamine B up to 89.95 % under optimal conditions and were also compared with commercial ZnO NPs. Reusability of the photocatalyst was confirmed by conducting 4 cycles of experiments at optimum condition.

Growth and metabolism of pea (Pisum sativum) via biostimulants based on greener ZnO nanoparticles

The purpose of this study was to identify the most important physiological and biological effects of green synthesis ZnO nanoparticles at a size of 65 nm, biostimulant (Folcare) and interaction biostimulant ZnO NPs on plant growth and metabolism. As our understanding of biostimulants’ preventive and restorative modes of action has increased, it is critical to maintain the best crop output and quality possible. The reduction of fertilizers must be substituted by strategies that improve the nutrients uptake or their utilization by the plants. New processing methods are required as an efficient green process or an integrated (hybrid) process for different new technologies of interest. The effects of NPs, biostimulant, and combination ZnO NPs biostimulant on plant cell metabolism were examined in cytosol, chloroplast, and mitochondria of cells from the stems, roots, and leaves. The interaction NPs/biostimulant had a beneficial effect on the morphological and physiological indicators of plant health than when nanoparticles and biostimulant are applied separately. Folcare biostimulant coupled with zinc oxide nanoparticles improved pea crops growth. The improved of the quality of pea plants can be explained at least, in part, by increase in antioxidant activities during plant growth phenophase.

Waste-derived green ZnO–Fe2O3 photocatalyst for degradation of MB dye pollutant in water

A green photocatalyst ZnO–Fe2O3 and its polymer composite ball/film were prepared using waste-iron scrap, pea-eggplant, and waste-expanded polystyrene (EPS) for methylene blue (MB) degradation. The optimized bandgap was found to be 2.39 eV by a 1:2 ratio of ZnO (3.11 eV) and Fe2O3(2.05 eV). The heterostructure (average size = 64 nm) was characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, and its polymer composite was characterized by FTIR. The achieved decolorization percentage of MB dye with visible light using ZnO–Fe2O3 powder, ZnO–Fe2O3–EPS film, and ZnO–Fe2O3–EPS ball are 94.59, 65.71, and 87.49%, respectively. The photocatalysts were found to be reusable up to the 6th cycle with a maximum decolorization of 67.01%. The HR-MS data of the treated solution shows some intermediate fragments. The novelty of the present work lies in the green, waste-derived, and industry-ready stable photocatalyst preparation in the form of powder, film, and ball. The work will give some direction to develop low-cost and industrially relevant visible photocatalysts.

The exploitation of plant wastes in ZnO photocatalyst electrosynthesis for 2,4-dichlorophenol degradation application

ZnO is established as an efficient photocatalyst for pollutant degradation but, its synthesis process that involves hazardous chemicals becomes a limitation. This work, therefore, proposed a green ZnO electrosynthesis strategy utilizing banana peel (BP) and tea leaf residue (TLR) extract. The generated ZnO photocatalysts were characterized via FTIR, SEM, XRD, BET, PSA, XPS, HRTEM and UV-DRS analysis and subjected to 2,4-dichlorophenol degradation for photocatalytic activity evaluations. The findings revealed that the ZnO-TLR sample contributed to the highest 2,4-dichlorophenol degradation (88.5%) followed by ZnO-BP (76.2%) and ZnO commercial (62.1%). This can be associated with the narrower band gap (3.20 eV), intense FTIR band of Zn-O bonds, larger surface area (9.576 m²/g), uniform surface morphology, and oxygen vacancies existence of ZnO-TLR. The highest amount of phenolic content, flavonoid content, and reducing power capacity of TLR extract as obtained by preliminary phytochemical assays was believed to contribute to such properties. The optimum reaction conditions were then found to be pH 3, 30 ppm 2,4-DCP, and 0.01 g catalyst with maximum 91.2% degradation. The ZnO-TLR catalyst was reusable for up to 3 cycles with a final 79.0% degradation. The kinetic study revealed that the photodegradation reaction that occurred in this work obeyed the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. It was found that the photogenerated hole was the main oxidation species in the 2,4-dichlorophenol mineralization process in this work.

Production of PVA-chitosan films using green synthesized ZnO NPs enriched with dragon fruit extract envisaging food packaging applications

In this work, the PVA-chitosan composite packaging films doped with biomass-fabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and dragon fruit waste extract (DFE) were developed for potential use in food packaging applications. ZnO NPs were synthesized using a sustainable method employing C. sinensis waste extract as a reducing agent. Chitosan and PVA were blended in a specific ratio (1: 1 w/w) to obtain a film-forming solution, into which the ZnO NPs and dragon fruit waste extract were incorporated. The resulting solution was cast into films, which were characterized using various analytical techniques. Mechanical properties, water solubility, and thermal stability of the films were also evaluated. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of green ZnO NPs and dragon fruit waste extract enhanced the mechanical strength and thermal stability of the films while reducing water vapor permeability. Moreover, the films exhibited biocidal and excellent 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging properties, indicating their use in the food packaging sector. The production of these films offers a practical approach to produce bioactive food packaging materials. The use of plant extract and waste material as reducing agents can reduce the overall cost of production while providing added benefits, such as antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Phytochemical Substances—Mediated Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPS)

Artemisia absinthium (A. absinthium) leaf extract was successfully used to create zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), and their properties were investigated via several techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis spectroscopy). SEM analysis confirmed the spherical and elliptical shapes of the particles. Three different zinc peaks were observed via EDX at the energies of 1, 8.7, and 9.8 keV, together with a single oxygen peak at 0.5 keV. The XRD analysis identified ZnO NPs as having a hexagonal wurtzite structure, with a particle size that decreased from 24.39 to 18.77 nm, and with an increasing surface area (BET) from 4.003 to 6.032 m2/g for the ZnO (without extract) and green ZnO NPs, respectively. The FTIR analysis confirmed the groups of molecules that were accountable for the stabilization and minimization of the ZnO NPs, which were apparent at 3400 cm. Using UV–Vis spectroscopy, the band-gap energies (Egs) for the green ZnO and ZnO (without extract) NPs were estimated, and the values were 2.65 and 2.79 eV, respectively.