In Vitro Synergistic Bioactivities of Novel Raffinose-Loaded PEGylated ZnO Nanoparticles: From Infection Control to Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Nanotechnology offers promising strategies for developing multifunctional platforms that integrate therapeutic, diagnostic, and protective properties. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are particularly attractive due to their biocompatibility, stability, and wide biomedical potential. In this study, raffinose loaded polyethylene glycol modified ZnO nanoparticles (Raff‑PEG‑ZnO NPs) were synthesized and comprehensively characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‑ray diffraction, Field emission scanning electron microscopy, and High‑resolution transmission electron microscopy. XRD confirmed the crystalline hexagonal Wurtzite structure, while electron microscopy revealed uniformly distributed nanoscale particles. A high negative zeta potential (-43.9 mV) indicated excellent colloidal stability. In vitro release studies demonstrated sustained and pH responsive drug release under intestinal and colonic conditions. Raff‑PEG‑ZnO NPs exhibited concentration dependent DPPH radical scavenging activity, prevailing over free ZnO and raffinose. Antibacterial assays revealed effective inhibition of Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with reduced minimum inhibitory concentrations. In vitro wound healing assays using L929 fibroblast cells showed enhanced migration and accelerated closure, while anti‑angiogenic activity was confirmed via CAM assay. Cytotoxicity studies against K562 and MDA‑MB‑231 cancer cell lines demonstrated time and dose dependent reductions in viability. This study is the first to report raffinose‑functionalized PEG‑ZnO NPs, demonstrating multifunctional biomedical efficacy across antioxidant, antibacterial, wound healing, anti‑angiogenic, and anticancer applications.