The porous and novel ZnGd2O4 nanoparticles with oval morphology were synthesized by simple combustion method. The presence of wurtzite ZnO nanophase with Gd2O3 spinal nanoparticles inside ZnGd2O4 were confirmed by the use of XRD pattern and supportive FTIR spectrum. XRD data proved phase purity of the nanomaterial. These porous nanoparticles had shown good surface activity and stability on the basis of thermal analysis. The elemental composition and porous nature of these nanoparticles were confirmed on the basis of SEM-EDAX analysis. The 55 nm. size of these nanoparticles was matched with TEM–SAED pattern. These porous metal oxide nanoparticles had exhibited good surface activity and biocompatibility on the basis of antimicrobial screening on gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Hence these nanoparticles find applications in future biomedical and sensing fields.