Chemistry Journal of Moldova

Graphycal Abstract: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using Nicotiana plumbaginifolia plant extract through a green approach. XRD, FTIR, and EDX confirmed their hexagonal wurtzite structure and high purity. SEM and TEM showed spherical ZnO NPs (16–24 nm), with a band gap of 3.33 eV. FTIR spectra displayed a peak at 480 cm⁻¹, confirming Zn–O bond formation.  The ZnO NPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and S. aureus at 100 µL using the well diffusion method. They also showed excellent antioxidant potential, scavenging DPPH radicals with 75.59% inhibition at 250 μg/mL. This eco-friendly synthesis method offers a sustainable approach for ZnO NP production, highlighting their potential for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.