Structural, Optical, Antibacterial, and Anticancer Properties of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Prepared by Green Synthesis Using Morinda citrifolia Leaves Extract

Chemical synthesis, characterization, and anticancer potential of CuO/ZrO2/TiO2/RGO nanocomposites against human breast (MCF-7) cancer cells

Nanocomposites (NCs) have attractive potential applications in gas-sensing, energy, photocatalysis, and biomedicine. In the present work, the fabrication of CuO/ZrO2/TiO2/RGO nanocomposites (NCs) was done via a simple chemical route. Our aim in this work was to synthesis and investigate the selective anticancer activity of TiO2 NPs by supporting CuO, ZrO2, and RGO toward cancer and normal cells. Different analytical techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering (DLS), were carefully applied to characterize the physicochemical properties of the produced samples. XRD results showed that the phase and crystal structure of TiO2 NPs were enhanced after adding CuO, ZrO2, and RGO. TEM and SEM images showed that CuO/ZrO2/TiO2/RGO NCs were similarly distributed on RGO sheets with high crystallinity, excellent quality of lattice fringes, and lower agglomeration compared with pure TiO2 NPs. EDX and XPS analysis confirmed the presence of elements Cu, Zr, Ti, O, and C in the obtained CuO/ZrO2/TiO2/RGO NCs. Raman and FTIR spectra verified the presence of functional groups and crystal structures in the produced samples. PL data showed that the optical properties of TiO2 improved after adding CuO, ZrO2, and RGO sheets owing to the reduction in the recombination rate between the electron-hole pair. DLS analysis showed that the prepared CuO/ZrO2/TiO2/RGO NCs had excellent colloidal stability and good distribution in the suspension of the media culture. Anticancer results for CuO/ZrO2/TiO2/RGO NCs exhibited about 2-fold higher toxicity for 24 h and 4-fold for 48 h against breast cancer (MCF-7) cells than pure TiO2 NPs, while their biocompatibility was excellent against HUVEC normal cells. Additionally, the IC50 values of CuO/ZrO2/TiO2/RGO NCs were 44.19 ± 1.2 μg mL-1 and 24.52 ± 0.8 μg mL-1 for 24 h and 48 h, respectively. These results indicate that adding CuO, ZrO2, and RGO plays a crucial role in enhancing the anticancer property of TiO2 NPs. This study suggests that CuO/ZrO2/TiO2/RGO NCs could be applied in cancer therapy applications in in vivo models.

Incorporation of hydroxyapatite and cerium oxide nanoparticle scaffold as an antibacterial filler matrix for biomedical applications

Managing bone healing is essential for preventing problems such as non-union, bacterial infection, structural instability, psychological, and physical damage in patients. The need to use antibiotics less often has prompted researchers to look at possible substitutes, such as nanoparticles. In this investigation, we choose to employ cerium oxide nanoparticles due to their unique antibacterial properties based on redox reactions. The cerium oxide-hydroxyapatite composite was synthesized, calcined, and ball-milled to create a fine CeO2-HA powder. Luffa cylindrica sponge was used to prepare the scaffold, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to investigate the structural and morphological features. Rapid upregulation of osteogenesis marker genes confirmed that CeO2-HA nanoparticles in the scaffolds promoted osteoblast cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. The cell viability test was conducted by MTT assay. When the CeO2-HA composite was cultured with S. aureus, it showed signs of having more antibacterial efficacy than pure HA.

Synthesis and characterization of 4-nitro benzaldehyde with ZnO-based nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Globally, cancer is the leading cause of death and morbidity, and skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis. Skin problems can be treated with nanoparticles (NPs), particularly with zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs, which have antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. An antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared in the presence of 4-nitrobenzaldehyde (4NB) was also tested in the present study. In addition, the influence of synthesized NPs on cell apoptosis, cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis, and cell adhesion was also examined. The synthesized 4-nitro benzaldehyde with ZnO (4NBZnO) NPs were confirmed via characterization techniques. 4NBZnO NPs showed superior antibacterial properties against the pathogens tested in antibacterial investigations. As a result of dose-based treatment with 4NBZnO NPs, cell viability, and MMP activity of melanoma cells (SK-MEL-3) cells were suppressed. A dose-dependent accumulation of ROS was observed in cells exposed to 4NBZnO NPs. As a result of exposure to 4NBZnO NPs in a dose-dependent manner, viable cells declined and apoptotic cells increased. This indicates that apoptotic cell death was higher. The cell adhesion test revealed that 4NBZnO NPs reduced cell adhesion and may promote apoptosis of cancer cells because of enhanced ROS levels.

Retracted: Structural, Optical, Antibacterial, and Anticancer Properties of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Prepared by Green Synthesis Using Morinda citrifolia Leaves Extract

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/6835625.].

Chitosan biopolymer functionalized with graphene oxide and titanium dioxide with Escin metallic nanocomposites for anticancer potential against colon cancer

Our study produced GO-TiO2-chitosan-escin nanocomposites (GTCEnc), characterized them using physical and biological methods, and evaluated their potential as cancer treatment candidates. Standard protocols were used to produce GTCEnc. Nanocomposites are created using XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis, and PL spectroscopy analysis. The morphology and ultrastructure of nanocomposites were investigated using SEM and TEM. Nanocomposites containing TiO2, GO, chitosan, and escin nanostructures were characterized using diffraction, microscopy, and spectroscopy; the antimicrobial activity of GTCEnc was investigated. Various methods were used to test the anticancer activity of GTCEnc against COLO 205 cell lines, including MTT, EtBr/AO, DAPI, JC-1, Annexin-V/FITC, cell cycle analysis, and activation of pro-apoptotic markers, such as caspase-3, -8, and -9. The nanocomposites were cytotoxic to COLO 205 cells, with an IC50 of 22.68 μg/mL, but not to 293T cells. In cells treated with nanomaterials, cytotoxicity, nuclear damage, apoptosis induction, and free radical production were significantly increased. Our finding suggests that GTCEnc has potent anticancer and antibacterial activity in vitro because of its unique nanocomposite properties and antibacterial and anticancer activity in vitro. Additional research is required to understand the clinical efficacy of these nanocomposites.

Pluronic-F-127-Passivated SnO2 Nanoparticles Derived by Using Polygonum cuspidatum Root Extract: Synthesis, Characterization, and Anticancer Properties

Nanotechnology has emerged as the most popular research topic with revolutionary applications across all scientific disciplines. Tin oxide (SnO₂) has been gaining considerable attention lately owing to its intriguing features, which can be enhanced by its synthesis in the nanoscale range. The establishment of a cost-efficient and ecologically friendly procedure for its production is the result of growing concerns about human well-being. The novelty and significance of this study lie in the fact that the synthesized SnO₂ nanoparticles have been tailored to have specific properties, such as size and morphology. These properties are crucial for their applications. Moreover, this study provides insights into the synthesis process of SnO₂ nanoparticles, which can be useful for developing efficient and cost-effective methods for large-scale production. In the current study, green Pluronic-coated SnO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) utilizing the root extracts of Polygonum cuspidatum have been formulated and characterized by several methods such as UV-visible, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX), transmission electron microscope (TEM), field emission-scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies. The crystallite size of SnO₂ NPs was estimated to be 45 nm, and a tetragonal rutile-type crystalline structure was observed. FESEM analysis validated the NPs' spherical structure. The cytotoxic potential of the NPs against HepG2 cells was assessed using the in vitro MTT assay. The apoptotic efficiency of the NPs was evaluated using a dual-staining approach. The NPs revealed substantial cytotoxic effects against HepG2 cells but failed to exhibit cytotoxicity in different liver cell lines. Furthermore, dual staining and flow cytometry studies revealed higher apoptosis in NP-treated HepG2 cells. Nanoparticle treatment also inhibited the cell cycle at G0/G1 stage. It increased oxidative stress and promoted apoptosis by encouraging pro-apoptotic protein expression in HepG2 cells. NP treatment effectively blocked the PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis in HepG2 cells. Thus, green Pluronic-F-127-coated SnO₂ NPs exhibits enormous efficiency to be utilized as an talented anticancer agent.

Therapeutic Potential of Albumin Nanoparticles Encapsulated Visnagin in MDA-MB-468 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Breast cancer is among the most recurrent malignancies, and its prevalence is rising. With only a few treatment options available, there is an immediate need to search for better alternatives. In this regard, nanotechnology has been applied to develop potential chemotherapeutic techniques, particularly for cancer therapy. Specifically, albumin-based nanoparticles are a developing platform for the administration of diverse chemotherapy drugs owing to their biocompatibility and non-toxicity. Visnagin, a naturally derived furanochromone, treats cancers, epilepsy, angina, coughs, and inflammatory illnesses. In the current study, the synthesis and characterization of albumin visnagin (AV) nanoparticles (NPs) using a variety of techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, UV-visible, Fourier transform infrared, energy dispersive X-ray composition analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence, X-Ray diffraction, and dynamic light scattering analyses have been carried out. The MTT test, dual AO/EB, DCFH-DA, Annexin-V-FITC/PI, Propidium iodide staining techniques as well as analysis of apoptotic proteins, antioxidant enzymes, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling analysis was performed to examine the NPs' efficacy to suppress MDA-MB-468 cell lines. The NPs decreased cell viability increased the amount of ROS in the cells, disrupted membrane integrity, decreased the level of antioxidant enzymes, induced cell cycle arrest, and activated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascade, ultimately leading to cell death. Thus, AV NPs possesses huge potential to be employed as a strong anticancer therapy alternative.