Green synthesized yttrium-doped ZnO nanoparticles: A multifaceted approach to mosquito control, antibacterial activity, cytotoxic properties of liver cancer cells, and photocatalytic properties

This study explores the synthesis and evaluation of environmentally friendly yttrium-doped zinc oxide (Yt-ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs). The objective is to address the rising global health threat of mosquito-borne diseases and the environmental challenges associated with conventional pesticide use. Yt-ZnO NPs were successfully synthesized via a green method, incorporating yttrium (Yt), a rare-earth element, and an extraction from fresh Phyla nodiflora leaves. In addition to their known antibacterial and anticancer properties, these nanoparticles are being explored for their potential use in mosquito vector control. The larvicidal experiments were carried out using Yt-ZnO NPs and P. nodiflora leaf extract at different doses and exhibited significant mortalities with LC50 = 35.19, 22.70 and 15.19 mu g/mL on Ae. Aegypti, and An. stephensi at 24-h. Additionally, the Yt-ZnO NPs were found to be highly effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, showing significant zones of inhibition (16.88 mm and 16.24 mm, respectively). They also exhibited promising anticancer activity against the Huh-7 cell line, with an IC50 value of 25.13 mu g/mL. Furthermore, Yt-ZnO NPs achieved 92 % degradation of RhB dye in 135 min, demonstrating their high photocatalytic activity. The fluorescent characteristic of Yt-ZnO NPs can be utilised to drug delivery along with cell imaging applications using biosensors. The research findings show that greensynthesized Yt-ZnO NPs are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and exhibit larvicidal, antibacterial, anticancer, and photocatalytic properties.