Abstract
The prime focus of this investigation was to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and test its potential applications as antimicrobials on textile fabrics, utilize ZnONP-functionalized building paints, evaluate its dye degradation efficiency, and determine its anticancer activity. ZnONPs were synthesized extracellularly in minimal medium at a fixed pH range 7.2 using an endophytic fungus Cladosporium tenuissimum FCBGr isolated from the Aegle marmelos (Vilva tree), a medicinal tree. The molecular identification of endophytic isolate FCBGr was performed using PCR amplification of ITS rDNA. The synthesized particles were characterized using microscopic and spectral analysis viz., SEM, XRD, and FTIR. The mycosynthesized ZnONPs exhibited enhanced antimicrobial and antioxidant properties at minimal concentration. Additionally, ZnONP-coated/functionalized fabrics exhibited a high degree of antimicrobial activity against most clinical pathogens tested. ZnONP-functionalized paints inhibited Aspergillus molds on building walls. Moreover, ZnONPs exhibited anti-angiogenic property by inhibiting blood vessel formation and cytotoxicity against HeLa cell lines even at the lowest concentration. These assessments evinced the promising nature of ZnONPs coatings in bio-medical applications and bioremediation.
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•Synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using Cladosporium tenuissimum.•Synthesized ZnONPs have been characterized using UV, FTIR, SEM, and XRD.•ZnONPs coated textile fabric exhibited enhanced antimicrobial properties.•ZnONPs blended paints displayed anti-mold activity on mold affected building walls.•ZnONPs also showed anti-angiogenic and cytotoxicity activities.