Multifunctional zinc oxide nanoparticles: investigating antifungal, cytotoxic, and oxidative properties

In this research endeavor, ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized employing a sol–gel process, using a zinc nitrate salt, followed by calcination at 600 °C, to yield a final product in the form of a white powder. Characterization of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles was accomplished using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern analysis, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometry, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, the in vitro cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles against the SW480 colorectal cancer cell line was investigated using the Resazurin cell viability assay. Oxidative activity assessment involved reactive oxygen species measurement, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) tests. Additionally, the antifungal effects against Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus were evaluated, and minimum inhibitory concentration values at 50% and 90% inhibition were determined.