Zinc/Iron oxide nanocomposites: Green synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of their effects on anxiety in rats exposed to noise stress.

In the modern lifestyle, environmental stresses have substantially influenced human life. Evidence indicates that noise exposure can lead to anxiety-like behaviors. In recent years, advances in nanotechnology have favorably impacted industrial productions. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of Zinc/Iron oxide nanocomposites on anxiety-like behavior. Using gelatin, Zinc/Iron oxide nanocomposites were synthesized by the sol-gel modified method. Four groups of rats were exposed to sound stress for 12 days. Three groups received 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg of Zinc/Iron oxide nanocomposites before the noise stress. Also, three control animals received the same doses of the nanocomposites. One group of the stressed (ST) and control (CO) rats received saline. The animals were introduced to the elevated plus maze (EPM) for the assessment of anxiety. Entry to closed arms, duration of stay in open arms were considered for data analysis. We observed a significant difference between the behavior of the CO and ST animals so that the latter group showed more anxiety compared to the former one. Concerning the effect of Zinc/Iron oxide nanocomposites, the data analysis confirmed the positive effect of the dose of 2.5 mg/kg where the stressed animals treated with this dose of the nanocomposites considerably improved their normal performance in the EPM.