Green Synthesis and in vitro Insights of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Nutmeg and Flaxseed Extracts

Background

Among various nanomaterials, Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have gained significant attention due to their unique properties. Traditional methods for synthesizing ZnO NPs often involve hazardous chemicals and energy-intensive processes, raising environmental and health concerns. In response to these issues, green synthesis methods have been developed as an eco-friendly alternative. Nutmeg and flaxseed are 2 plant sources known for their rich phytochemical content. This study aims to assess the cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ZnO NPs synthesized with nutmeg and flaxseed.

Materials and Methods

5 mg of nutmeg and flaxseed powder were dissolved in 0.1 L of distilled water. This mixture was boiled at 60ºC for 10 min and then filtered. 0.1 g of ZnO was added to 100 mL of filtered extract. After centrifugation, the concentrated nutmeg and flaxseed extract-mediated ZnO NPs were reduced to 100 mL. Various extract concentrations (25 μL, 50 μL and 100 μL) were then subjected to cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant assays.

Results

Nauplii lethality was assessed over 2 days. At 25 μL, no mortality was observed on either day. However, on day 2, mortality increased by 10% at both 50 μL and 100 μL extract concentrations. The antimicrobial action of nutmeg and flaxseed extract-mediated ZnO NPs against S. aureus, S. mutans and E. faecalis increased with concentrations from 25 μL to 100 μL. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the NPs also increased with higher concentrations, from 25 μL to 100 μL.

Conclusion

The synthesized nutmeg and flaxseed extract-mediated ZnO NPs exhibited significant bioactivity, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and were non-cytotoxic.