Biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles from Cycas revoluta seed extract demonstrate significant wound healing, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic potential

Introduction Nanotechnology is an innovative approach that involves the development, production, and application of materials via altering their shape and size on the nanometer scale, which ranges from 1 to 100 nm. Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnONPs) are metal-oxide nanomaterials with distinct physical and chemical properties that make them valuable and adaptable inorganic compounds. Methods The C. revoluta extract was subjected to comprehensive phytochemical analysis, and showed presence of triterpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, steroids, resins, diterpenes, and coumarins. The ZnONPs synthesized using C. revoluta extract were optimized by synthesizing zinc nanoparticles at different temperatures and pH. The synthesis of ZnONPs was determined by the UV–Vis spectrophotometry, with the absorbed peak being observed at 364 nm. The characterization of ZnONPs was performed with XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, and EDX analysis. Results The surface morphology of the ZnONPs was analyzed using SEM, which revealed their spherical nature and particle size was determined to be 30 nm. Significant peaks were observed in the XRD pattern, confirming their sphere-like structure. FTIR spectra were recorded to determine the groups of biomolecules involved in synthesis. ZnONPs’ antibacterial efficacy against gram + ve and gram -ve bacteria, were positive. The ZnONPs demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity against TNBC MDAMB-231 cell line with an IC 50 of 58.39 μg/mL. The percentage DPPH radical scavenging activity was 72.36% at 100 μg/mL concentration. Furthermore, ZnONPs showed significant (p < 0.001) wound healing characteristics in the excision wound model in rats with 99.29% wound contraction on treatment Day 16. Discussion The ZnONPs showed increased cell migration potential in the in vitro scratch assay, highlighting their potential for wound care and tissue regeneration applications. In future, more in-depth research and clinical evaluation are warranted to fully explore the therapeutic potential of these environmentally friendly ZnONPs.