فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

This study investigated the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using the aqueous leaf extract of Dombeya wallichii as a plant-based source of reducing and stabilizing agents. The synthesized ZnO-NPs were examined by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, and Atomic Force Microscopy in order to confirm their formation and evaluate their main physicochemical characteristics. The biological activity of the aqueous leaf extract and the green-synthesized ZnO-NPs was assessed through antioxidant and cytotoxicity assays. The antioxidant potential was measured using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, whereas cytotoxic activity was evaluated by the MTT assay against human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and normal mammary epithelial cells (MCF-10). The obtained results showed that both treatments produced concentration-dependent effects. However, ZnO-NPs showed higher free radical scavenging activity and stronger inhibitory effects against MCF-7 cells than the crude plant extract. Their effect on MCF-10 cells was comparatively lower, which may indicate a selective action toward cancer cells. Based on these findings, the aqueous leaf extract of D. wallichii appears to be a suitable natural medium for the green synthesis of ZnO-NPs. The resulting nanoparticles showed promising antioxidant and anticancer properties, suggesting their potential value as bioactive nanomaterials for further breast cancer-related investigations.