Quercetin loaded zinc nanoparticles: Recent applications and developments

A member of the flavonoid class, Quercetin, can be found universally in vegetables, fruits and other plant sources. Quercetin is the focus of interest due to its diverse biological activities viz. antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antimicrobial properties. But Quercetin faces limitations, including poor water solubility, low bioavailability and rapid metabolism and demands novel delivery systems development. Delivery and efficacy of Quercetin can be improved by means of nanotechnology. Zinc has such unique properties as biocompatibility, biodegradability and the potential for synergistic effects with Quercetin that make it an attractive material for the formulation of nanoparticles. In the current study, recent applications and developments of Quercetin loaded zinc nanoparticles are reviewed, including their synthesis techniques, characterization techniques, and diverse applications in drug delivery, wound healing, food preservation, cancer therapy and antimicrobial action. We also outline possible future direction in this emerging area, with a reflection of the current literature to fill the gaps.