Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Brassica oleracea Extract: Catalytic Potential for Anti-Inflammatory Applications

Abstract:

Background: The increasing interest in sustainable and biocompatible therapeutic agents has led to the exploration of green synthesis methods for producing nanoparticles. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles synthesized using plant extracts offer a promising route for biomedical applications, particularly in inflammation management.

Methods: This study reports the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Brassica oleracea (cabbage) extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesis involved the addition of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to the cabbage extract mixed with zinc oxide precursors. This eco-friendly method minimizes the use of hazardous chemicals while enhancing the catalytic and biological properties of the nanoparticles. The morphology and surface characteristics of the ZnO nanoparticles were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results: SEM analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles with uniform surface morphology. The nanoparticles displayed notable catalytic activity by reducing pro-inflammatory markers. In vitro assays demonstrated that ZnO nanoparticles inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and key inflammatory cytokines. The catalytic properties of the nanoparticles were found to accelerate biochemical reactions that modulate inflammation, suggesting their dual functionality as catalytic and therapeutic agents.

Conclusions: The study highlights the efficacy of Brassica oleracea-mediated ZnO nanoparticles as catalytic agents with significant anti-inflammatory properties. This green synthesis approach presents an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method for developing advanced catalytic materials with biomedical potential. Further research will focus on optimizing nanoparticle synthesis and evaluating their performance in complex biological systems.