Greener Synthesis of Zno and Ag–Zno Nanoparticles Using Silybum Marianum for Diverse Biomedical Applications

Aim: To investigate the physical and biological properties of Silybum marianum inspired ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), Ag–ZnO heterostructures. Experiment: Nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet–visible and infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, high resolution electron microscopy, ζ potential and thermo-gravimetric analysis etc. Results: Ag–ZnO–NPs indicated slightly higher antimicrobial potential then ZnO–NPs. Good antileishmanial (IC50 = 246 μg/ml for Ag–ZnO; 341 μg/ml for ZnO) and antioxidant potential while moderate enzyme inhibition is reported. 2, 2-Diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging of Ag–ZnO was higher relative to ZnO–NPs. Nanocosmaceutical formulation of nanoparticles indicated stable antimicrobial performance. Conclusion: Biosynthesized nanoparticles indicated interesting biological properties and should be subjected to further research to establish their pharmacological relevance.