Synthesis and characterization of Vitis vinifera exocarp-mediated ZnO nanoparticles: An evaluation of biological potential and ecotoxicity

The popularity of plant-based nanoparticle synthesis has increased over the years due to the quantity of bioactive compounds. It is economical and environmentally friendly, which is an added feature. In the present study, the polyphenol-rich exocarp extract of Vitis vinifera was used to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (Vv-ZnO NPs) and evaluate their potential usage in various biological applications. UV-Vis spectrophotometer observations of Vv-ZnO NPs revealed an SPR peak at 355 nm. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of V. vinifera phytochemicals in the produced ZnO NPs. The electron microscope (SEM, TEM) revealed that the Vv-ZnO NPs had a conical shape and varied in size between 30 and 73.5 nm. The current investigation indicated that Vv-ZnO NPs are a more effective antioxidant than grape peel extract when exposed to DPPH solution, with an 87% inhibition rate at 100 mu g/ml. At 200 mu g/ml concentration, Vv-ZnO NPs demonstrated good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (6 mm) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4 mm). The total destruction of biofilm architecture by Vv-ZnO NPs at high concentrations (100 mu g/ml) was clearly seen in light microscopic images. The IC50 value for its anticancer activity against the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line was 12.90 mu g/ml. The nanoparticles demonstrated acceptable larvicidal effectiveness against the Zika virus vector Aedes aegypti (LC50-80.27-LC90-136.39 mu g/ml). Vv-ZnO NPs exhibited decreased ecotoxicity against non-target bioindicators such as Daphnia similis, Artemia salina, and Perionyx excavatus. Overall our studies revealed the eco-friendly synthesis of ecologically sound Vv-ZnO nanoparticles for diverse biological applications.

Automated summary

The present study successfully synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles using polyphenol-rich exocarp extract of Vitis vinifera and evaluated their potential usage in various biological applications. The nanoparticles exhibited good antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, and larvicidal effectiveness against the Zika virus vector. Additionally, they showed decreased ecotoxicity against non-target bioindicators, indicating their wide range of biological applications.