Molecular Engineering of Metallic Nanoparticle Using Natural Flavonoids: From Synthesis to Biological Evaluation
Namra Aziz, Gagandeep Singh Basra, Ankita Wal, Nishant Kumar, Hanish Singh Jayasingh Chellammal, Rajni Kant Panik, Md Sajid Ali, Pranay Walintroduction:
This study aimed to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the toxicity of luteolin- and fisetin-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles (LF-ZnONPs) as a potential therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease (PD).
materials and methods:
LF-ZnONPs were chemically synthesised and characterised using UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Antioxidant activity was assessed through the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release were analysed. Acute and subacute toxicity studies were performed in Wistar rats following OECD guidelines to establish the safety profile.
results:
LF-ZnONPs were predominantly spherical, with particle sizes ranging from 50 to 100 nm, and exhibited high crystallinity and stability. FTIR confirmed flavonoid–ZnO interactions, while TGA verified successful drug incorporation. The nanoparticles demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, with an encapsulation efficiency of 90.36% and sustained release of 57.88% within 40 minutes. Acute toxicity testing indicated a median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of ~1667 mg/kg, reflecting low acute toxicity. Subacute studies revealed mild, dose-dependent effects at higher concentrations (500–750 mg/kg), while biochemical and histopathological evaluations confirmed safety at lower doses.
discussion:
The results suggest that LF-ZnONPs provide synergistic antioxidant and neuroprotective benefits while maintaining a favourable safety margin. Further mechanistic and pharmacological investigations in PD models are warranted to validate their translational potential.
conclusion:
LF-ZnONPs effectively integrate the neuroprotective properties of luteolin and fisetin with the favourable characteristics of ZnO nanocarriers. These findings highlight their potential as a safe and efficient nanomedicine-based strategy for managing PD and related neurodegenerative disorders.