Phytogenic Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Dodonaea Viscosa Leaf Extract: Physicochemical Characterisation and Evaluation of Anti-Plasmodial and Antimicrobial Activities

ZnO nanoparticles from Dodonaea viscosa leaves were synthesized, characterized, and tested for antiplasmodial and antimicrobial activities. Plant-based synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using bioactive Dodonaea viscosa ingredients as reducing and stabilizing agents. XRD was used to determine crystallinity, SEM for morphology, Infrared spectroscopy for functional group identification, and UV-Visible for optical characteristics of nanoparticles. The % parasitemia elimination method was used to test the antiplasmodial potency against Plasmodium falciparum. Agar well diffusion was employed for the antimicrobial bioassay. The nanoparticles achieved up to 73% parasite elimination after 72 hours at a dosage of 10mg/mL, demonstrating dose and time-dependent effects. The NPs inhibited certain bacteria and fungi, with the highest efficacy at 4mg/mL. The lowest zone-of-inhibition was 7mm and the highest 18mm. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in antimicrobial activity among microorganisms and treatment concentrations (p < 0.05). Tukey&apos;s HSD post-hoc analysis indicated significant differences between the tested ZnO nanoparticle concentrations. Nanoparticle concentration substantially increased antimicrobial activity, with 4 mg/mL showing the strongest inhibition. UV-visible analysis confirmed ZnO production with a 350-nm absorption peak. FTIR research showed that plant functional groups, such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, and methyl groups, were on the nanoparticle surface, suggesting they reduced and stabilized. Crystalline hexagonal wurtzite nanoparticles were confirmed by XRD. SEM pictures indicated stratified, flake-like particles, while EDX tests confirmed zinc and oxygen were the major ingredients.,The ZnO nanoparticles produces crystalline ZnO nanoparticles with intriguing antimalarial and antibacterial characteristics, suggesting biomedical applications.