Greener synthesis of ZnO and Ag-ZnO nanoparticles using Silybum marianum for diverse biomedical applications

Aim: To investigate the physical and biological properties of Silybum marianum inspired ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), Ag-ZnO heterostructures. Experiment: Nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet-visible and infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, high resolution electron microscopy, zeta potential and thermo-gravimetric analysis etc. Results: Ag-ZnO-NPs indicated slightly higher antimicrobial potential then ZnO-NPs. Good antileishmanial (IC50 = 246 mu g/ml for Ag-ZnO; 341 mu g/ml for ZnO) and antioxidant potential while moderate enzyme inhibition is reported. 2, 2-Diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging of Ag-ZnO was higher relative to ZnO-NPs. Nanocosmaceutical formulation of nanoparticles indicated stable antimicrobial performance. Conclusion: Biosynthesized nanoparticles indicated interesting biological properties and should be subjected to further research to establish their pharmacological relevance.