Biosynthesis, characterisation and therapeutic potential of green coconut waste derived zinc oxide nanoparticles

The application of nanotechnology has revolutionized the biomedical health sector by introducing innovative and more effective therapeutic approaches. This study explores the utilization of ethanolic mesocarp extract from green coconut (GC) both as stabilizing and reducing agent in the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The confirmation of nanoparticle synthesis underwent thorough characterization using various techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). UV–Vis studies revealed a maximum absorption wavelength of 375 nm, while XRD analysis confirmed their wurtzite hexagonal structure with an average grain size ranging from 20 to 30nm. Additionally, FT-IR spectra demonstrated the presence of functional groups and proteins as stabilizing agents surrounding the ZnO NPs. SEM analysis revealed the morphology of synthesized NPs. The green-synthesized ZnO NPs exhibited significant zone of inhibition against various bacterial strains including Klebsiella pneumonia (29.5± 0.28mm), Escherichia coli . (28.4 ±1.2), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22±1.2 mm), P. putida (18±2.6), Bacillus subtilis (19.2± 0.47) and Staphylococcus aureus (18.6±2.6mm). Although the antifungal activity was relatively lower, the synthesized NPs displayed excellent antimicrobial activity. Moreover, antioxidant activity was measured by using DPPH radical scavenging that comes out to be 60.15 ± 0.31. Also, in vitro evaluation demonstrated superior antidiabetic activity of GC ZnO NPs, with substantial inhibition percentages against amylase and glucosidase enzymes. Overall, these findings underscore the potential therapeutic applications of GC ZnO NPs, highlighting their effectiveness in combating diseases and their promising role in biomedical research.