Biosynthesis and biological activities of zinc and magnesium nanoparticles using Alhagi maurorum

Nanoparticles (NPs) have gained attention for their unique properties and potential applications, particularly in medicine. This study explores an eco-friendly approach to biosynthesize zinc and magnesium nanoparticles using the medicinal plant Alhagi maurorum . The resulting nanoparticles (NPs) were thoroughly characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confirming their optical properties, functional groups, crystalline structure, elemental composition, and morphology. The nanoparticles exhibited promising physicochemical properties. In antimicrobial assays, both zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) and magnesium nanoparticles (MgNPs) exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pyogenes and Campylobacter spp., with zones of inhibition of 26 and 28 mm for ZnNPs and 20 and 27 mm for MgNPs, respectively. Furthermore, ZnNPs exhibited potent antifungal activity against Trichophyton and Penicillium , with zones of inhibition of 22 and 18 mm, respectively, whereas MgNPs produced zones of inhibition of 15 and 21 mm against the same fungal species. Additionally, these nanoparticles showed substantial antioxidant potential, effectively combating free radicals and demonstrating cytoprotective properties, with low IC50 values. Remarkably, the zinc and magnesium nanoparticles demonstrated promising anticancer effects against HepG2 cancer cells, emphasizing their potential in anticancer therapies. The study found IC50 values of 55 µg/mL and 65 µg/mL for zinc and magnesium nanoparticles respectively. This green synthesis approach using Alhagi maurorum offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly method for producing biologically active NPs. The findings suggest that these nanoparticles could be valuable for developing novel treatments against microbial infections, diseases related to oxidative stress, and as potential candidates in anticancer drug development.