Bio-capped ZnO nanoparticles formulated from Prosopis juliflora gum: Phytochemical characterization and therapeutic potential

초록

Growing recognition of the phytochemical diversity and therapeutic value of plant-derived materials has driven efforts toward their sustainable use in nanotechnology and biomedical research. Here, we synthesized bio-capped zinc oxide nanoparticles (G-ZnO) using Prosopis juliflora gum (PJ-Gum) and evaluated their potential in diverse biomedical applications. LC-QTOF-MS profiling of PJ-Gum confirmed the presence of multiple polyphenols and flavonoid with notable therapeutic relevance. This phytochemical-rich exudate served as both reducing and stabilizing agent during G-ZnO synthesis. The synthesized G-ZnO was characterized using FTIR, UV-Vis, XRD, XPS, zeta potential, SEM, TEM, and DLS analyses, confirming the formation of crystalline nanoparticles with an average size of 34.1 nm and good colloidal stability (-27 mV). Biological assays revealed significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and fungal pathogens. Compared to PJ-Gum, G-ZnO exhibited enhanced zones of inhibition, 8.8 +/- 0.20 mm for B. subtilis and 8.9 +/- 0.12 mm for P. aeruginosa relative to the control. Further, antioxidant analyses (DPPH and H2O2 scavenging assays) demonstrated strong free-radical scavenging potential, while cytocompatibility studies showed >85% cell viability, indicating biosafety for potential biomedical use. Additional in vitro assays suggested notable antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities, reinforcing the multifunctional therapeutic potential of G-ZnO. Interestingly, the formation of ZnO nanostructures using PJ-Gum enhanced the inherent biological activities of the PJ-Gum, leading to improved overall bioefficacy. This study highlights PJ-Gum as an efficient phytochemical resource for the green synthesis of G-ZnO nanoparticles exhibiting broad-spectrum bioactivities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and therapeutic properties, underscoring their promise for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

키워드