Synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) by aqueous extract of Amaranthus caudatus and evaluation of their toxicity and antimicrobial activity

In the present study zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized by the extract of the plant, Amaranthus caudatus. ZnONPs were characterized by FTIR and SEM coupled with EDX. Among the various concentrations of ZnONPs administered, 10 mg/ml or more caused deformities and less survival rate. ZnONPs were found to influence the normal development of zebrafish embryos in a dose dependent manner. The ZnONPs were found to exhibit anti-bacterial activity; the activity was more towards Gram positive bacteria (S. epidermidis) than the Gram negative bacteria (E. aerogenes). The low concentrations of ZnONPs could be used as a therapeutic agent for diabetes mellitus.