Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles: Advances, applications, and AI-driven innovations for sustainability

The green synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) has garnered significant attention due to its eco-friendly nature and the versatile applications of ZnO NPs in various fields. This review delves into the latest advancements in green synthesis methods, emphasizing plant extracts, microorganisms, and biomacromolecules (notably proteins and peptides). By integrating bibliometric analysis of Web of Science data (2015–2025), it pinpoints global research hotspots like “green synthesis,” “antibacterial activity,” and “photocatalysis.” Key insights include: plant-mediated synthesis offers cost-effectiveness but is affected by seasonal variability; microorganism-driven approaches allow for scalability yet require strict sterility; and biomacromolecules-mediated methods. Critically, we highlight how artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning (ML), is being integrated across these methods—from predicting optimal plant extract compositions and microbial culture conditions to designing peptide templates—to enhance reproducibility, yield, and functionality of green-synthesized ZnO NPs. The bibliometric analysis reveals India and China as research hubs, with “Good Health and Well-Being” being the dominant sustainable development goal (4720 publications). The synthesis of sustainable chemistry and AI promises future breakthroughs in large-scale, tailored ZnO NPs production for applications in biomedicine and environmental protection. This review provides a comprehensive analysis integrating green synthesis techniques with scientometric insights, offering a critical assessment of ZnO NPs sustainability and its role in advancing global health solutions.