Green synthesis of Zn2+ nanocarriers from Auricularia auricula fermentation broth with excellent antioxidant activity.

• The Zn2+ nanocarriers were synthesized using Auricularia auricula fermentation broth. • The AFNPs-Zn2+ had nanoscale size, good hydrophilicity and antioxidant activity. • The AFNPs-Zn2+ had good biocompatibility without visible cytotoxicity and hemolysis. • The AFNPs-Zn2+ could alleviate cell damage caused by zinc deficiency. Nanoparticles (NPs) possessing nanoscale dimensions and remarkable antioxidant activity were synthesized via a green hydrothermal method utilizing Auricularia auricula fermentation broth, referred to as AFNPs. The functional groups on the surface of the AFNPs significantly contributed to the formation of AFNPs-Zn2+. The AFNPs-Zn2+ appeared a zinc retention rate of 40.80 % after gastrointestinal digestion. When compared to typical zinc supplements, AFNPs-Zn2+ did not exhibit visible cytotoxicity or hemolysis. Furthermore, AFNPs-Zn2+ demonstrated the ability to mitigate cell damage resulting from zinc deficiency. In vivo experiments showed that AFNPs-Zn2+ were mainly observed in the stomach, intestine, kidney, and testis after oral administration. In vivo distribution experiments indicated predominant presence of AFNPs-Zn2+ in the stomach, intestine, kidney, and testis following oral administration. This study highlights the potential for Auricularia auricula NPs to serve as the efficient, stable, and safe nanocarriers for Zn2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]