Biogenic Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Lactobacillusrhamnosus: Enhanced Antimicrobial and Wound-Healing Properties of aSilk Fibroin-Berberine-ZnO Nanocomposite

Introduction: The biogenic synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a sustainable way to develop multifunctional nanoparticles. The inclusion of ZnONPs in silk fibroin (PVA)/berberine composites could influence their biomedical properties via hydrogen bonding interactions between ZnONPs and silk fibroin and electrostatic interactions with berberine molecules. Methods: L. rhamnosus was used for the synthesis of ZnONPs. Characterization of ZnONPs was performed using SEM, XRD, FTIR, and UV-Vis. Nanoparticles were embedded in silk fibroin (PVA)/berberine scaffolds. The disk diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity; the DPPH assay was used to evaluate the antioxidant potential, and the in vitro scratch assay was used to test the wound-healing ability Results: The analysis revealed uniformly dispersed ZnONPs (30–50 nm) characterized by SEM. The crystalline structure was confirmed by XRD and FTIR. Antibacterial testing of the scaffolds revealed larger inhibition zones for ZnONP-integrated scaffolds against Staphylococcus aureus (20 mm) and Escherichia coli (18 mm) than those without ZnONP incorporation. The DPPH screening showed improved antioxidant activity (92% at 100 µg/mL). Scratch assays demonstrated a significant enhancement in the migration of fibroblasts and wound closure, reaching 98% at 48 h Discussion: The combined effects of ZnONPs and berberine improved antimicrobial activity via ROS generation and membrane disruption while enhancing antioxidant protection by reducing oxidative stress and accelerating wound healing through increased cell proliferation and migration. Conclusion: Biogenically synthesized ZnONPs integrated into silk fibroin (PVA)/berberine scaffolds significantly enhance antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties, suggesting strong potential for biomedical applications in wound care and infection control.