This study demonstrates a green synthesis method for producing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using aqueous and methanolic extracts from Fe’i (Musa troglodytarum L.) and Cavendish (Musa acuminata) bananas and evaluates their anti-inflammatory effects in zebrafish larvae. The banana extracts acted as natural reducing and stabilizing agents, yielding wurtzite phase ZnO NPs with sizes between 14–15 nm and negative surface charges, showing good stability. The nanoparticles varied in morphology flower like, spherical, and snowflake forms depending on the banana type and solvent. Toxicity tests indicated moderate safety levels and in vivo assays showed that all ZnO NPs significantly reduced neutrophil and macrophage recruitment after fin amputation, performing comparably to dexamethasone in reducing inflammation and aiding wound healing. The study concludes that banana-based green synthesis offers a sustainable route to bioactive ZnO nanoparticles with promising biomedical potential, though further optimization and mechanistic studies are needed for scalable production.

article citation:
Zavitri, N. G., Syahbaniati, A. P., Putri, R. M., Dwivany, F. M., Wibowo, I., Pramudita, D., & Indarto, A. (2025). Green synthesis and anti-inflammatory properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles from Fe’i and Cavendish banana extracts. Materials Advances, Royal Society of Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1039/d5ma00775e