Recent advances and biomedical applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles

Zinc oxide nanoparticles have worldwide usage, which has driven attention toward research on their health effects in humans. Moreover, exclusive work is seen addressing zinc oxide nanoparticles in biomedical applications focusing on cancer cell imaging. Toxicity studies have come up with varied results, such as activating different cytotoxic pathways. Thus, this chapter on zinc oxide nanoparticles focuses on recent applications and advances in biomedical applications, toxicity studies, and antimicrobial studies. Additionally, we summarize the hindrance caused to the cellular processes that lead to oxidative stress, DNA damage, apoptosis, and proinflammatory effects. We have also exclusively focused on engineered zinc oxide nanoparticles used as varistors, UV absorbers in textiles, and hybrid solar cells.