Biosynthesis of Ocimum basilicumleaf extract mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles and their cytotoxic activity

This report discusses the biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Ocimum basilicumleaf extract (OBLE) and their potential as a therapeutic agent due to their ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. The structural characterization of the synthesized OBLE@ZnO NPs was determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and indicated a hexagonal crystal configuration with a wurtzite-type structure and no impurities. The microstructure of OBLE@ZnO NPs was inhomogeneous and non-linked, with an average grain size of 20.07 ± 0.34 nm. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra showed a hump at 3430 cm−1, which was attributed to the phenolic or hydroxyl group (-OH) in anthraquinones of OBLE. The UV-visible absorption spectra displayed a strong characteristic peak at 366 nm, confirming the formation of ZnO NPs. The cytotoxic activity of OBLE@ZnO NPs was tested against the MDA-MB-231 cell line, and the results showed excellent cell inhibition with a low IC50value of 6.54 μg/mL, suggesting their potential for combating breast cancer.