Phytogenic synthesis and antimicrobial activity of ZnO nano bow ties (ZnO NBTs): An experimental and computational study

Phytogenic synthesis is a sustainable and eco-friendly approach for producing nanoscale particles, using biological entities such as plants and their byproducts. In this study, Allium sativum extract was selected as a capping and reducing agent due to the presence of phytochemicals such as allicin, diallyl disulfide (DADS), vinyl dithiins, ajoene (E- and Z-ajoene), diallyl trisulfide (DATS), and thiol (sulfhydryl) groups. The resulting ZnO Nano Bow Ties (ZnO NBTs) were characterized using FE-SEM, XRD, EDX, DLS, zeta potential, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy to evaluate the size, morphology, and crystallinity. The obtained XRD, SEM, and DLS results suggested an average longitudinal length of ∼372 nm with a maximum lateral width of ∼64 nm and a Bow Tie shape. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis was employed to elucidate the prominent phytochemical constituents of the Allium sativum extract. Preliminary antibacterial assays reveal significant inhibition zones and growth inhibition effects against gram-negative bacteria of both Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, suggesting the promising antimicrobial potential of these ZnO NBTs. Monte Carlo simulations revealed that the cone-shaped ZnO NBTs bind strongly to the active sites of the target proteins with binding affinities of −36.20 and −32.14 kcal/mol for Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli respectively, which correlates with their activities. The ZnO NBTs complexes formed stronger hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues of Escherichia coli than with Klebsiella pneumoniae . This integrated experimental and computational study underscores the potential of the use of ZnO NBTs as a sustainable and effective strategy to combat bacterial pathogens. The findings of this study indicate that efficient morphology (shape) is a major contributor to the protein binding affinities of ZnO NBTs, with promising implications for the design of antibacterial drugs in nanomedicine. • Sustainable method for synthesizing zinc oxide nano bow ties (ZnO NBTs) - using Allium sativum extract capitalizing on its rich phytochemical content. • Demonstrated significant antibacterial activity of ZnO NBTs against K. pneumoniae and E. coli, evidenced by substantial inhibition zones in preliminary assays. • Monte Carlo simulations indicating strong binding affinities of ZnO NBTs to bacterial proteins, with affinities of −36.20 and −32.14 kcal/mol for K. pneumoniae and E. coli , respectively, correlating with their antimicrobial efficacy.