Biosynthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles using Marine Plant Syringodium isoetifolium: Unveiling Antioxidant, Antibiofilm and Anticancer Potentials

The present study focuses on the green synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of the seagrass Syringodium isoetifolium, along with their physico-chemical characterization and assessment of antioxidant, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic properties. Preliminary characterization of the S. isoetifolium-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles (SI-ZnO NPs) using UV-Vis spectroscopy showed maximum absorption at 374 nm. FTIR and XRD spectroscopy analysis evidenced the promising functional groups and crystalline structure associated with ZnO nanoparticles. The SEM images showed irregularly shaped cubic crystals with grain size of 67.24 nm. Antioxidant assay results affirmed that SI-ZnO NPs strongly neutralized DPPH radicals in a dose-dependent manner (22% to 74%). Biofilm inhibitory activity revealed that SI-ZnO NPs prodigiously impaired (12 to 84%) biofilm formation by the oral pathogen Candida albicans. Confocal laser scanning microscopic visuals emphasized that SI-ZnO NPs reduced viability and distorted the C. albicans biofilm architecture. Artemia cytotoxicity assays revealed that SI-ZnO NPs exhibited an LC50 value of 62.48 µg/mL, while the hemolytic analysis confirmed their biosafety profile. The significant biomedical properties and biocompatibility of SI-ZnO NPs will pave the way for their effective utilization in pharmacology and healthcare settings.