Biofunctionalized zinc nanoparticles from Alangium salvifolium seeds extract: a potent antibacterial and anti-Cancer therapeutic agent

The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens and the limitations of traditional therapies have prompted the discovery of biocompatible nanomaterials. In this study, green, one-pot synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (AS-ZnO-NPs) was performed using Alangium salvifolium seed extract (aqueous) as both reducing and stabilizing agent.Nanoparticles were characterized physicochemically, showing an absorption peak at 387 nm by UV–visible spectroscopy. Dynamic light scattering produced a hydrodynamic diameter of 53.28 nm, which is consistent with a biomolecular capping layer, while transmission electron microscopy showed spherical particles with a mean core diameter of 13.2 ± 2 nm. AS-ZnO-NPs showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity (4.2–9.96 μg/mL) ( p < 0.05 compared to levofloxacin control) against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The enhanced antibacterial effect may result from nanoparticle interactions with microbial membranes, leading to oxidative stress. AS-ZnO-NPs displayed high cytotoxicity against A549 lung carcinoma cells (IC50 = 16.38 ± 1.22 μg/mL), surpassing both the crude extract and 5-fluorouracil. Mechanistic studies using H2DCFDA fluorescence and DAPI staining indicated ROS-mediated apoptosis, as evidenced by condensed chromatin. The nanoparticles showed relatively low toxicity on normal osteoblasts. The ZnO nanoparticles synthesized from Alangiumsalvifolium show promise as antimicrobial and anticancer agents, emphasizing the need for further in vivo testing and mechanistic studies.