Biosynthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Catharanthus roseus Leaves and Their Therapeutic Response in Breast Cancer (MDA-MB-231) Cells

Nanotechnology for Healthcare: Plant-Derived Nanoparticles in Disease Treatment and Regenerative Medicine

Nanotechnology has revolutionised biomedical research, offering innovative healthcare solutions. Plant-based nanotechnology is emerging as a sustainable alternative, minimising environmental impacts and enhancing therapeutic effectiveness. This paper explores the potential of plant-derived nanoparticles (PNPs) in medicine, highlighting their biocompatibility, multifunctionality, and eco-friendliness. PNPs, synthesised through green methods, have demonstrated promising applications in drug delivery, cancer therapy, antimicrobial treatments, and tissue regeneration. Their unique properties, such as a high surface area and bioactive components, enable improved drug delivery, targeting, and controlled release, reducing side effects and enhancing treatment efficacy. Additionally, plant-derived compounds' inherent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, retained within platinum nanoparticles (PNPs), present innovative opportunities for combating antimicrobial resistance and promoting wound healing. Despite their potential, challenges remain in standardising PNP synthesis, ensuring consistency, and scaling up production for industrial applications. This review emphasises the need for further research on PNP toxicity, biocompatibility, and regulatory frameworks to fully harness their capabilities in clinical and commercial applications. Plant-based nanotechnology represents a promising, greener alternative for advancing healthcare solutions, aligning with global sustainability goals.

ZnO nanomaterials target mitochondrial apoptosis and mitochondrial autophagy pathways in cancer cells

In recent years, the application of engineering nanomaterials has significantly contributed to the development of various biomedical fields. Zinc oxide nanomaterials (ZnO NMts) have gained wide popularity due to their biocompatibility, unique physical and chemical properties, stability, and cost-effectiveness for large-scale production. They have emerged as potential materials for anticancer applications. This article provides a comprehensive review of the synthesis methods of ZnO NMts and highlights the advantages of combining ZnO NMts with anticancer drugs as a nano platform for cancer treatment. Additionally, the article briefly explains the mechanism of action of ZnO NMts in tumor cells, focusing on the mitochondrial pathways that target cell apoptosis and autophagy. It is observed that these pathways are primarily influenced by reactive oxygen species generated through oxidative stress. The article discusses the promising prospects of ZnO NMts combined with anticancer drugs in the field of cancer medicine and emphasizes the need for further in-depth research on the mitochondrial apoptosis and mitochondrial autophagy pathways.