Comparative evaluation of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs): Photocatalysis, antibacterial, toxicity and genotoxicity

[Display omitted] •Production and comparison of ZnONPs without toxic and genotoxic effects.•ZnONPs that do not cause DNA damage when used at different doses.•High antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans ATCC 10449.•ZnONPs as an alternative biomaterial for dental applications. This study compares the physicochemical, photocatalytic, antimicrobial, toxicity and genotoxic properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) produced by hydrothermal and sol–gel methods as an alternative biomaterial. The comparative antibacterial activities, toxicity and DNA damage effects of ZnONPs on Drosophila melanogaster were determined using different doses. The study also investigates the effects of ZnONPs on malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity. The structural, optical, and morphological properties of ZnONPs were investigated using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), UV–Visible spectrophotometry (UV–Vis), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The photocatalytic activity of ZnONPs in methylene blue solution was determined, and a high photocatalytic efficiency of 87 % was achieved in a short time. ZnONPs were found to have a significant antimicrobial effect on Streptococcus mutans ATCC 10449. Additionally, ZnONPs were non-toxic doses and did not cause DNA damage. In conclusion, ZnONPs synthesized can be safely used as filling material and bracket material especially in the field of dentistry since they are non-toxic, have a strong antimicrobial effect on S. mutans and do not cause DNA damage.