Green synthesis of zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles using Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni and evaluation of its cytotoxic properties

Abstract

Abstract In recent years, the advanced approach regarding the green synthesis of nanoparticles through biogenic methods and the use of plants secondary metabolites has been quite critical. The rate of reduction observed in biological methodologies is much faster compared to chemical and physical methods. Therefore, this technique is an environment-friendly and cost-efficient alternative against conventional methods, and is also suitable for large scale production. In this research, ZnS nanoparticles were synthesized using a natural sweetener glycoside in the aqueous crude extract of Stevia rebaudiana that acted as an excellent bio-reductant. The structure of synthesized ZnS nanoparticles were examined through XRD, EDAX, SEM, TEM, and FTIR. The average size of ZnS nanoparticles was found to be 8.35\u202fnm while being highly stable and predominantly spherical. The peaks at 3414.82\u202fcm−1, which were dedicated to the OH groups from the glucose aqueous crude extract of Stevia, were observed to be very broad and thus, the FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of glucose as a capping agent and stabilizer. The cytotoxic effects of the nanoparticles was studied against the MCF-7 cancer cell line. The IC50 values of ZnS nanopartilces and Stevia extract against MCF-7\u202fcell line were 400 and 2000\u202fμg/mL, respectively.