Utilization of funnel-shaped ivory flowers of Candelabra cactus for zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesis and their in-vitro anti-cancer and antibacterial activity

The present study reports an eco-friendly phytosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using Candelabra cactus flower extract. The structural and functional properties of the synthesized ZnONPs were examined through various instrumentation. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed sphere-shaped ZnONPs between 10 and 30 nm in size. The synthesized ZnONPs showed growth inhibiting activity of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Acridine orange ethidium bromide (AO/EB) and Hoechst 33,342 staining studies revealed apoptotic bodies and chromatin condensation in the MCF-7 cancer cells. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.