Insights into the structural, biomedical, and photocatalytic properties of eco-friendly synthesized ZnCr2O4 nanoparticles

Abstract

This study presents an advantageous, bioengineered protocol for the fabrication of ZnCr2O4 NPs employing sprouted wheat (Triticum aestivum) extract. This offers a sustainable alternative for environmental remediation through photocatalytic activity, as well as antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potential. XRD validated the single-phase production of ZnCr2O4 NPs, with a mean crystallite size of 15.72 nm. The optical properties of ZnCr2O4 NPs were studied using UV-DRS, which showed a band gap of 2.31 eV. FESEM and HRTEM indicated a tower-like architecture with quasi-spherical features, and EDS confirmed elemental purity. The obtained nanoparticles showed excellent photocatalytic activity, degrading gentian violet (GV) dye by 92.7% in 30 min at a catalyst concentration of 0.40 g L−1 and a rate constant of 0.0587 min−1. The as-prepared ZnCr2O4 NPs demonstrated substantial antibacterial performance against E. coli and K. pneumoniae, with E. coli showing greater sensitivity. Cytotoxicity experiments revealed a dose-dependent reduction in MCF-7 cell viability, with an IC50 value of 129.2 µg mL−1. Additionally, antioxidant assays revealed IC50 values of 75.11 µg mL−1 (ABTS) and 77.12 µg mL−1 (DPPH), as well as remarkable anti-inflammatory activity. Green-synthesized ZnCr2O4 NPs have intriguing photocatalytic, antibacterial, and biological properties, making them attractive for environmental remediation and medicinal purposes.