Sustainable fabrication of TIF@ZIF-8 nanocomposites: characterization, antioxidant potential, and bioactive applications

The exploration of advanced delivery systems for natural antioxidants is crucial for enhancing their bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Metal-organic frameworks, particularly zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), offer promising solutions due to their tunable pore structures, robust chemical stability, and customizable surface functionalities, making them ideal candidates for drug delivery and the encapsulation of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to encapsulate Tamarindus indica L. (TIF) flower extract into ZIF-8 using a Nano-precipitation method to develop the TIF@ZIF-8 nanocomposite with enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The TIF@ZIF-8 nanocomposite was synthesized via Nano-precipitation. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. The phytochemical composition, physicochemical properties were performed following standard protocols. A qualitative fingerprint of TIF was analyzed using high-performance thin layer chromatography. The key phytoconstituents were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Structural and morphological characterizations of the nanocomposite were performed using powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The TIF@ZIF-8 nanocomposite demonstrated significant antioxidant activity with a DPPH scavenging rate of 72.54% and lipid peroxidation inhibition of 69.14%, outperforming Vitamin C and BHT. The IC50 values for DPPH and lipid peroxidation inhibition were 64.14 µg/mL and 57.74 µg/mL, respectively. GC-MS identified key bioactive compounds, including Isobutylene epoxide and Ethyl leucinate. This study demonstrates the potential of ZIF-8 as a carrier for bioactive plant compounds. The TIF@ZIF-8 nanocomposite shows promising antioxidant property, with potential applications in targeted drug delivery, therapeutic formulations, and antioxidant therapies, contributing to advanced nanomaterial design for health and wellness.