Green Synthesis of Zinc Nanoparticles Using Phaseolus vulgaris Extract: Evaluation of Antimicrobial, Anticancer, and in Silico Properties

Abstract

This study reports the green synthesis of zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) using fresh Phaseolus vulgaris leaf extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. A visible color change and a UV–Vis absorption peak at ~340 nm confirmed ZnNP formation. SEM and TEM analyses revealed predominantly cubical nanoparticles with an average size of 67 nm. DLS showed a hydrodynamic diameter of 148.7 nm and a zeta potential of –21 mV, indicating good colloidal stability. The ZnNPs exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus, with effects dependent on concentration and exposure time. Cytotoxicity assays on MCF-7 breast cancer cells showed dose-dependent inhibition, accompanied by morphological changes such as membrane blebbing and nuclear fragmentation. Molecular docking studies indicated interaction of ZnNPs with Human Serum Albumin (HSA) near Subdomain IB, involving residues like Arg-196 and His105, with a binding energy of –1.64 kcal/mol. These results suggest ZnNPs have potential for biomedical applications.