Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Review

Zinc Oxide nanoparticles refer to a white powder compound that is insoluble in water and has excellent chemical, electrical, and thermal stabilities. It is widely used in various applications such as solar cells, photocatalysis, chemical sensors, biomedical field, and ceramic industry due to its optical, electrical, and photocatalytic properties. They are typically less than 100 nanometers in diameter, with a broad size distribution range of 30-150 nanometers. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have recently attracted considerable attention due to their wide bandgap, high exciton binding energy, and various potential applications, such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antioxidant, and optical properties. Traditional physical and chemical methods for synthesizing ZnO nanoparticles often involve toxic chemicals and extreme conditions, raising concerns about their safety and environmental impact. To address these issues, green synthesis techniques, utilizing natural resources such as plants, fungi, bacteria, and algae, have been explored as eco-friendly alternatives. The distinctive properties of ZnO nanoparticles have led to them being extensively been utilized in the cosmetic industry especially in skin whitening and anti‐wrinkle products. Additionally, they are also extensively employed in sunscreens and other UV protective formulations in view of the fact that they get effectively absorbed or scatter the harmful ultraviolet radiation. While evaluating their skin penetration and life-long accumulation of DNA as well as systemic toxicity, more data is required to prove safety of their application. For further studies, mechanism action should be known properly, formulations would be done in a condensed and safe manner and safety problems are solved, then the ZnO nanoparticles can help to reach their full potential in cosmetics and other applications of nanotechnology.