Biosynthesis of antibacterial zinc oxide nanoparticles from endophytic Streptomyces werraensis

The rising prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens necessitates the development of sustainable, biocompatible antimicrobial agents. Green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles using endophytic microorganisms offers an eco-friendly and bioactive alternative to conventional physical and chemical methods. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were biosynthesized using the cell-free supernatant of Streptomyces werraensis, a novel endophytic actinobacterium isolated from the medicinal plant Passiflora caerulea L. The formation of ZnO NPs was monitored via UV–visible spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Morphological and structural characterizations were performed using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The biological potential of ZnO NPs for human health was evaluated through antibacterial assays against a panel of human pathogens and antioxidant assays (DPPH and ABTS). UV–Vis spectra confirmed ZnONP formation with a characteristic band-gap absorption, while FTIR identified proteinaceous and phenolic capping agents. TEM and SAED revealed highly crystalline, predominantly spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of 136 nm and a wurtzite crystal structure. The biosynthesized ZnO NPs exhibited potent, concentration-dependent antibacterial activity, particularly against Gram-negative strains; Salmonella paratyphi A and Proteus vulgaris showed maximum inhibition zones of 19.0 ± 0.64 mm and 16.4 ± 0.68 mm, respectively, which are comparable to those of commercial ampicillin. Antioxidant assays demonstrated significant radical-scavenging potential, with an IC50 of 22.15 ± 1.2 µg/mL in the ABTS assay, approaching that of ascorbic acid. The findings of the present study demonstrate that S. werraensis-mediated ZnO NPs serve as effective “nanogenerators” of oxidative stress, offering a dual-action therapeutic approach. These results highlight the potential of endophytic actinobacteria as sustainable bio-factories for producing functional nanoparticles with promising antimicrobial potential for treating MDR infections.