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

Abstract

As the current study reports the utilization of the leaf extract of Catharanthus roseus (C.roseus) for the biological synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) because of the importance of the importance of health and environment. Bioinspired synthesis were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD). XRD and TEM micrograph analysis revealed that the synthesized nanostructures were well-dispersed and spherical with the average particle size in the 18-30 nm range were produced. The FT-IR spectra confirmed presence of phenolic compounds that act as reducing and capping agents. Further, it suggested the possible utilization of hydroxyl groups and amides in the reduction of Zn ions and stablization of ZnO NPs. Zinc oxide nanomaterials are effective in cancer treatments, including the destruction of tumor cells with minimal damage to healthy cells. The toxicity of zinc oxide nanomaterials was checked in vitro in the human breast cancer line MDA-MB-231. Inverse relation of the percentage of viable cells to the concentration of zinc oxide nanomaterials at increasing molar levels was assessed. The cytotoxicity analysis used in the MTT test shows the substantial viable MDA-MB-231-cells despite the increased concentration of exposure to zinc oxide nanomaterials. Reduction in the ratio of viable MDA-MB-231 cells after being exposed to zinc oxide nanomaterials was compared to untreated cancerous cells. The present approach to biosynthesis is quick, inexpensive, eco-friendly, and high-rise stable nanomaterials of zinc oxide with substantial cancer potential. This is the first study that reports molar concentrations (with the lowest concentration of 10 mM) as an anticancer agent for breast cancer and potential clinical uses for synthesized zinc oxide nanomaterials. Thus, C. roseus based synthesized ZnO NPs could be explored not only as environmentally benign method but also as a potential anti-carcinogenic agent.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by TEQIP-III grant at UIET, Panjab University, Chandigarh and the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda under the Department of Zoology, Punjab.