Abstract
•Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were successfully synthesized from the flower extract of Candelabra cactus.•The ZnONPs are spherical in shape 20–30 nm in size.•ZnONPs showed extensive antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.•ZnONPs exhibited potential cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cells.
The present study reports an eco-friendly phytosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using Candelabra cactus flower extract. The structural and functional properties of the synthesized ZnONPs were examined through various instrumentation. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed sphere-shaped ZnONPs between 10 and 30 nm in size. The synthesized ZnONPs showed growth inhibiting activity of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Acridine orange ethidium bromide (AO/EB) and Hoechst 33,342 staining studies revealed apoptotic bodies and chromatin condensation in the MCF-7 cancer cells.