Synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and evaluation of antioxidant and cytotoxic activity

ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by thermal decomposition method and were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, EDX and TEM analysis. The resultant nanoparticles are nearly spherical and size is in the range of 40–50 nm. The antioxidant behavior of ZnO nanoparticles was assessed by scavenging free radicals of 2,2–diphenyl–1–picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) with varying nanoparticle concentration and time interval individually. The DPPH scavenging activity was monitored by UV–vis spectrophotometer. ZnO nanoparticles were also showing cytotoxic activity which was studied by hemolytic potentiality test.