Biogenic ZnO/MgO nanocomposite synthesized from Ficus hispida and investigation of its biological properties

•ZnO/MgO Nano-composite was synthesized by Ficus hispida bark extract.•Biogenic ZnO/MgO composite exhibited elongated rods and flakes-like morphologies.•Improved biocompatibility with MCF-7 cell line and zebrafish model was obtained.•ZnO/MgO showed effective antibacterial activity against K. pneumonia and S. mutans. Biogenic ZnO/MgO nanocomposite was synthesized using Ficus hispida bark extract. Diffraction patterns showed highly crystalline ZnO and MgO formation with hexagonal and cubic crystal structures. Zn-O, Zn-OH, and Mg-O vibrations authenticate the material formation with elongated rods as well as flakes-like morphologies. Optimal biocompatibility was observed from MCF-7 cell line and zebrafish model. ZnO/MgO nanocomposite showed effective anti-bactericidal activity against gram negative Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli and gram positive Staphlococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans. There are no significant reports in ZnO/MgO with the reduction of Ficus hispida and similar materials are being used as dental cement and for other applications. Hence, this biogenic ZnO/MgO nanocomposite can be a preferable material for biomedical applications.