 Zinc oxide nanoparticles, ZNONPs, are widely used in various industries including rubber, paint, coatings and cosmetics. They have also gained significant attention in the field of biomedicine due to their excellent biocompatibility, cost-effectiveness and low toxicity. ZNONPs have emerged as a promising potential in biomedicine, particularly in the areas of cancer and bacteria treatment, where they can trigger excessive ROS production, release zinc ions and induce cell apoptosis. Additionally, Zinc has been shown to maintain the structural integrity of insulin, making it a viable candidate for diabetes treatment. Furthermore, ZNONPs exhibit excellent luminescence properties, making them a prime candidate for bio-imaging. This review summarizes the synthesis and recent advancements of ZNONPs in the biomedical field, providing insight into their potential use in future research.