Green Synthesis and Characterization of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Stachys Leaf Extract: Structural, Thermal, and Antibacterial Evaluation

The present study reports a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly green synthesis method for producing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using Stachys leaf extract. This biosynthetic approach is notable for its ease of implementation, non-toxicity, and potential antibacterial activity. The biosynthesized ZnO-NPs exhibited a characteristic UV–visible absorbance peak at 360 nm, confirming their successful formation. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed the presence of functional groups such as aldehydes, hydroxyls, hydrocarbons, and ketones, which played a crucial role in the reduction and stabilization processes. In addition, carboxylic acids, alkyl halides, and aliphatic amines were also involved in the synthesis and stabilization of the nanoparticles. The ZnO-NPs demonstrated an average particle size of 13.90 nm, as determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), which showed nine prominent diffraction peaks, indicating their crystalline nature. These nanoparticles exhibited significant biological properties, including antibacterial and antioxidant activities, suggesting their potential application in biomedical fields such as drug delivery systems. They may enhance targeted delivery, reduce side effects, and improve therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, the ZnO-NPs show promising potential in industrial applications, particularly in food packaging membranes aimed at extending shelf life and preventing spoilage.