Abstract :

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are inorganic metal oxides extensively utilized as preservatives in packaging materials and as potent antibacterial agents with minimal associated risks. The physicochemical properties of ZnO-NPs, including antibacterial efficacy, are significantly influenced by parameters such as particle size, morphology, concentration, and duration of interaction with bacterial cells. Beyond their antimicrobial applications, ZnO-NPs have garnered interest in diverse fields such as food technology, agriculture, cosmetology, and optoelectronics. Green synthesis of ZnO-NPs mediated by plant extracts has demonstrated enhanced antibacterial activity against various bacterial and fungal pathogens. Several plant species, including Trifolium, Justicia adhatoda, Physalis alkekengi L., Cassia auriculata, Aloe barbadensis, Pongamia pinnata, Limonia acidissima, Plectranthus amboinicus, Sedum alfredii Hance, and Aspidoterys cordata, have been identified as effective bioresources for nanoparticle fabrication. The resultant ZnO-NPs exhibit desirable physicochemical characteristics that are largely dependent on synthesis conditions, including particle size, shape, and concentration. This review comprehensively summarizes various green synthesis methodologies and characterization techniques for ZnO-NPs, highlighting their potential applications across the food, pharmaceutical, and textile industries.

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Keywords :

Antimicrobial activity, Biomedical applications Nanocomposites, Characterization techniques, Cytotoxicity, Green synthesis, nanotechnology, Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs).

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