Biosynthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Dennettia tripetala for the antioxidant and drug release potentials

Plant-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles has emerged as a sustainable approach to nanoparticle synthesis. It is non-toxic, eco-friendly, cost-effective, and biocompatible when compared to conventional methods. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized using ethanolic extracts of Dennettia tripetala (DT) root and stem bark (DTR and DTSB). The biosynthesized ZnONPs were characterized using different spectroscopy techniques. The results confirmed the formation of small crystalline, spherical ZnONPs with average sizes ranges from 25.82 to 30.85 nm. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) of biosynthesized ZnONPs were obtained at 345 nm and 386 nm for DTSB-ZnONP and DTR-ZnONP respectively. Antioxidant analysis using DPPH assay revealed significant free radical scavenging activity, with IC₅₀ values of 130.40-155.83 µg/mL. In-vitro drug release studies using ciprofloxacin-loaded ZnONPs demonstrated controlled and sustained release over 72 h, indicating their potential as drug delivery carriers. This study concludes that Dennettia tripetala-mediated ZnONPs have promising applications in pharmaceutical and biomedical fields.