Sustainable Nanomaterial Production from Fruit Waste: Green Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles for Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Therapeutic Applications in Wound Healing and Cancer Therapy

Objective Green synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) using the aqueous extract of fruit waste, investigating their antioxidants, antimicrobial, anticancer, and wound healing properties.Significance: This study presents an eco-friendly synthesis of ZnO NPs that repurpose organic fruit waste, contributing to sustainable practices in nanomaterial production. The potential applications of ZnO NPs as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer agents, as well as their role in wound healing are explored.Methods ZnO NPs were synthesized using the aqueous extract of fruit waste, and were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, DLS, XRD, FTIR and SEM-EDX. Antioxidant activity was measured using the DPPH assay. Cytotoxicity was assessed on A549 lung carcinoma cells, and antimicrobial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A gel formulation containing chitosan and Aloe vera (CS-AV)/ZnO NPs was evaluated for wound healing in an infected wound model.Results The synthesized ZnO NPs exhibited nanoscale size, good colloidal stability, and polygonal morphology. They demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, dose-dependent cytotoxicity against A549 cells, and significant antibacterial effects. Incorporation of ZnO NPs into the CS-AV gel markedly enhanced wound healing, achieving complete wound closure by day 21. Histopathological analysis further confirmed improved tissue regeneration, as evidenced by reduced inflammation, increased fibrosis, and well-developed collagen formation.Conclusion Fruit waste-derived ZnO nanoparticles offer promising antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and wound healing properties.