ZnO nanomaterials: Green synthesis, toxicity evaluation and new insights in biomedical applications

Nanotechnology has engraved new insight into the material sciences and zinc oxide nanomaterials (ZnO NMs) are one of the most extensively used materials in healthcare and environmental remediation applications attributable to their biodegradability and tunable physical and chemical properties. This review concentrates on three aspects of ZnO NMs. Firstly, we review green methods of the synthesis of ZnO NMs as an alternative to conventional synthesis routes as the latter pose environmental risks such as the requirement of hazardous and expensive precursors as well as production of unwanted end products. Also, green methods can produce important and diversified morphologies. Secondly, ZnO NMs are ubiquitous in numerous biological fields and other consumer products which motivate us to review advances in assessing their toxicological effects via in-vitro and in-vivo studies. Thirdly, an emerging application space for ZnO NMs is bioimaging, biosensing and traceable drug delivery which take advantage of their unique variable optical properties and in particular, their fluorescent behavior. The inhibitory action of these NMs against microbes, cancer and inflammation is also covered. The aim is to provide critical review on perspectives and challenges associated with fluorescent-based nascent applications that can be utilized for targeting, detecting and treating severe human ailments. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The review focuses on the synthesis, toxicological effects assessment, and emerging applications of zinc oxide nanomaterials, highlighting their potential in healthcare and environmental remediation.