Berry Bliss: A Comparative Study of the Zinc Nanoparticles Synthesized from Gooseberry, Strawberry, Blueberry, and Cranberry Extracts

The green synthesis of zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) using fruit extracts has gained significant attention as an ecofriendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional chemical and physical methods. Plant-mediated nanoparticle synthesis utilizes bioactive phytochemicals as reducing and stabilizing agents, minimizing the need for hazardous reagents while enhancing the biocompatibility of the resulting nanostructures. Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana), strawberry (Fragaria ananassa), blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), and cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) extracts have been extensively explored for ZnNP synthesis due to their rich reservoirs of flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and vitamins. Comparative studies reveal that gooseberryderived ZnNPs exhibit promising hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects, while strawberry-based ZnNPs are particularly efficient in food preservation, crop protection, and extending shelf life. Blueberrymediated ZnNPs and nanofertilizers demonstrate notable agricultural benefits, including enhanced nutrient uptake and pathogen resistance. Conversely, cranberry extracts have shown superior potential in biomedical applications, with ZnNP composites effective against bacterial biofilms, cancer cell proliferation, and wound healing. The diverse phytochemical profiles of these fruits significantly influence nanoparticle morphology, stability, and functional properties, thereby dictating their specific applications. This chapter provides a comparative assessment of ZnNPs synthesized from gooseberry, strawberry, blueberry, and cranberry extracts, highlighting synthesis strategies, structural characteristics, and application domains. It emphasizes the role of fruit-derived biomolecules in tailoring nanoparticle functionality and suggests future prospects in agriculture, biomedicine, energy storage, and environmental management. The findings support fruit-mediated ZnNPs as a promising pathway toward sustainable nanotechnology.