Fabrication of MgO and ZnO nanoparticles by ecosynthesis using Aegle marmelos leaf extract: Biomedical activity evaluation

Metal oxide nanocomposites, specifically MgO and ZnO, possess significant antimicrobial and anticancer capabilities. This research intends to produce MgO and ZnO nanoparticles via an environmentally benign method utilizing Aegle marmelos leaf extract, serving both as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Analysis of the produced nanoparticles through UV-DRS revealed maximum absorption peaks at 286 nm for MgO and 345 nm for ZnO NPs. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of phytochemical functional groups, indicating effective nanoparticle stabilization. Crystallinity of the synthesized nanoparticles was established through XRD analysis. HR-SEM images displayed uniform spherical morphology, EDX confirmed elemental composition and HR-TEM confirmed average particle sizes 26.3 nm for MgO and 16.5 nm for ZnO. In the antimicrobial study ZnO exhibited zone of inhibition against E. Faecalis as 15 mm and MgO shows no zone of inhibition. Antioxidant activity of ZnO and MgO shows the percentage of inhibition as 54.33% and 29%. At 1000 µg/mL, hemolytic activity was 23% for MgO and 3.60% for ZnO. The cytotoxicity of ZnO and MgO NPs against the SF-268 cell line demonstrated a dose-dependent effect, yielding an IC₅₀ value of 103.22 μg/mL and 139.99 μg/mL, underscoring their potential as anticancer agents. These findings suggest that ZnO nanoparticles produced through green synthesis have notable pharmaceutical potential, comparable to those of MgO nanoparticles. Future investigations will aim to optimize synthesis conditions and perform in vivo assessments to further validate their clinical applicability.