Abstract Core–shell silver–zinc nanoparticles (Ag:Zn NPs) were synthesized using the plasma jet method and characterized by TEM, FE-SEM, XRD, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. XRD confirmed crystalline peaks at 38.45°, 44.39°, 64.57°, and 77.47° (planes 111, 200, 220, and 311), with particle sizes below 100 nm. UV–Vis analysis showed absorption peaks at 374 and 454 nm, confirming nanoparticle formation. Cytotoxicity studies on the MDA cell line revealed 61% growth inhibition after 48 hours at 100% Ag:Zn