Green Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles: A Sustainable Approach for Wound Care

Cutaneous wound healing is a complex process regulated by molecular and cellular mechanisms. Conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome reduce this process, often leading to chronic wounds. These types of wounds remain a global health challenge due to prolonged healing, high infection risk, and poor response to conventional therapies. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have gained attention in biomedical research because of their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. While conventional synthesis methods often involve toxic reagents and high energy consumption, green synthesis using biological sources such as plants, fungi, and algae, offers safer and more sustainable alternatives. Furthermore, incorporating zinc oxide into biocompatible matrices enhances its therapeutic potential by promoting direct interaction with wound tissues. This review highlights recent advances in the green and biocompatible synthesis of ZnO NPs and explores their types and physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of green nanotechnology as a cost-effective and sustainable approach for developing next-generation wound healing materials reported the last five years in free-download through the literature.