Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Physicochemical Characterization, Assessment of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties Supported by Docking Studies Against Pathogenic Microbes

ABSTRACT In eco‐friendly approach for synthesizing nanomaterials has emerged as a result of phytochemical's ability to transform metal ions into nanoparticles. The biosynthesis of nanoparticles with possible therapeutic uses is a key component of contemporary nanotechnology. Fruit extract from Sapindus mukorossi was used to prepare zinc oxide nanoparticles (SM@ZnO), and their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties were examined. Several analytical and spectral methods were used to characterize the synthesized NPs. SM@ZnO NPs antibacterial activity was determined using the disc diffusion method. Through free radical scavenging, the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl test was used to assess the antioxidant capacity of the SM@ZnO NPs and plant extract. Theses NPs have displayed significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus , and Bacillus subtilis , with respective inhibition zones of 29.89 ± 0.47, 24.42 ± 0.23, and 29.20 ± 0.18 mm. Moreover, sapindoside Sap A and B were molecularly docked against receptor proteins 2OPZ (melanoma cancer) and 3QUM (prostate cancer). The findings indicated a greater binding affinity with the 2OPZ receptor, implying more robust interactions. These findings suggest that bioactive chemicals generated using this green technique may be viable candidates for antibacterial and anticancer medication development, providing an environmentally friendly option for pharmacological uses.