# Biofabrication of Leucas aspera-Mediated Chitosan–Zinc Oxide Nanocomposites for In Vitro Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory and Wound-Healing Properties

## TL;DR

This study creates a new type of nanocomposite using chitosan and zinc oxide with plant extract, showing strong antioxidant, antibacterial, and wound-healing properties.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is the biofabrication of chitosan–zinc oxide nanocomposites using Leucas aspera leaf extract and their evaluation for biomedical applications.

## Key findings

- CS-ZnONCs showed significant antioxidant activity (88.19% ABTS) and antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus and E. coli.
- The nanocomposites demonstrated high biocompatibility (98.75% cell viability) and effective wound closure (96.55%).

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Nanostructured biomaterials based on natural polymers have gained increasing attention in pharmaceutics due to their biocompatibility, multifunctionality, and diverse biomedical applications. This novel study aimed to biofabricate chitosan-doped zinc oxide nanocomposites (CS-ZnONCs) using Leucas aspera leaf extract and to evaluate their physicochemical properties and in vitro biomedical performance. Methods: CS-ZnONCs were synthesized using L. aspera leaf extract through a green precipitation approach, and the resulting nanocomposites were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. The in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated, while wound-healing potential was assessed using L929 fibroblast cell migration assays. Results: UV–visible analysis confirmed the formation of CS-ZnONCs, with a characteristic absorption peak at 362 nm, and FTIR spectra indicated the presence of various important functional groups. XRD results demonstrated the crystalline nature of ZnO within the chitosan matrix. Well-dispersed, quasi-spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 44 ± 3.1 nm were identified by HR-TEM, and a positive zeta potential (+9 mV) suggested considerable colloidal stability. CS-ZnONCs showed a high swelling capacity (88 ± 2.75% for 2%) and significant phytocompound release (65.38 ± 2.79% at pH 7.4). The CS-ZnONCs showed significant antioxidant activity (ABTS of 88.19 ± 1.59%), notable antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus (18.78 ± 0.98 mm) and Escherichia coli (17.14 ± 0.96 mm), and significant anti-inflammatory activity (82.12 ± 1.47% membrane stabilization). In vitro biocompatibility and wound-healing assays revealed significant cytocompatibility in Vero cells, with 98.75 ± 1.17% cell viability observed, whereas the fibroblast migration assay demonstrated near-complete wound closure (96.55 ± 6.46%). Conclusions: The green-synthesized CS-ZnONCs exhibit favorable physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and multifunctional biological activities, supporting their potential as a promising sustainable biomaterial nanomedicine for pharmaceutical formulations, wound healing, and regenerative medicine applications.