Biocompatible Zinc Nanoparticles Synthesis from Ficus subincisa for a Sustainable Tomorrow: Characterization and Therapeutic Applications

Objective: The leaf extracts of F. subincisa were taken into consideration to prepare nanoparticles. F. subincisa leaf extract serves as reducing and capping agent to produce ZnONPs. Methods: A 1 : 1 mixture of zinc acetate and F. subincisa extract was prepared. The mixture was then vigorously stirred at 500 rpm and the precipitate was then filtered, rinsed, dried and calcined to obtain ZnONPs. The antioxidant, photodegradation, and antibacterial activity of the generated ZnONPs were assessed. Results: The antibacterial activity of ZnONPs was investigated against a number of microbes, including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas. ZnONPs are acting as a photocatalyst to degrade the MB by the decrease in absorbance over time at 664 nm. Discussion: Compared to vancomycin, it has reduced antibacterial activity against S. aureus and more antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa and E. coli. The results of DPPH scavenging activity show that the scavenging power of ZnONPs was near about to the ascorbic acid. Conclusions: Synthesized ZnONPs have notable antibacterial and free radical scavenging properties. Better antibacterial activity was obtained from extract due to variations in release of Zn²⁺ ions and generation of reactive oxygen species.