Plant based green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles from Bauhinia purpurea and its application

Nanotechnology is an emerging interdisciplinary field focused on manipulating materials where unique physicochemical properties enable diverse applications in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. Among metal oxide nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have gained considerable attention due to their biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity, and optical properties. Conventional synthesis methods, however, often involve toxic chemicals and high energy consumption. Green synthesis using plant extracts has emerged as a sustainable approach. Bauhinia purpurea, a medicinal plant has shown significant potential in easing the biosynthesis of ZnO NPs. The objective of this review is to critically summarize recent advances in plant-mediated synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using B. purpurea, with emphasis on physicochemical characteristics, biomedical applications, and nanotoxicological implications. The review methodology is based on a structured analysis of peer-reviewed literature retrieved from major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on studies related to green synthesis, biological activity, and safety evaluation of ZnO NPs. These nanoparticles exhibit promising biomedical applications, including antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, antioxidant potential via free radical scavenging, and antiinflammatory effects via inhibition of protein denaturation. Studies using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism indicate dose-dependent behavioral impairments, highlighting the need for careful toxicological evaluation. A key limitation of current research is the variability in plant extract composition, which affects reproducibility, particle uniformity, and scalability of green synthesis approaches. Future research should focus on standardization of synthesis parameters, advanced surface functionalization strategies, and integration of data-driven approaches to improve reproducibility, safety, and clinical translation of plant-derived nanomaterials.