Green synthesis and evaluation of the anticancer potency of Ag, Cuo, and Ag/Cuo nanoparticles synthesized using Searsia lancea fruit extract

Abstract

Abstract Driven by the growing demand for safer and more sustainable approaches to nanomaterial synthesis, this study focuses on developing an environmentally friendly method for producing silver (Ag) nanoparticles, copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles, and Ag/CuO nanocomposites using an aqueous extract of Searsia lancea fruit. By utilizing this green synthesis route, the research aims to minimize the use of hazardous chemicals while simultaneously enhancing the biomedical efficacy and application potential of the resulting nanomaterials. Characterization of the synthesized nanomaterials using UV-vis, SEM, TEM, powdered XRD, and EDS analysis confirmed quasi-spherical nanoparticles for the pristine nanoparticles, while highly agglomerated particles with no definite edges were obtained for the Ag/CuO. FTIR analysis revealed the chemical bonds and functional groups present in the fruit extract, and XRD analysis confirmed a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure of Ag and a monoclinic phase of CuO. The UV–vis spectra displayed maximum absorption peaks at approximately 425 nm and 405 nm, corresponding to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) activation in the Ag and CuO nanoparticles, respectively. A noticeable broadening and red shifting in the absorption band of Ag/CuO nanoparticles suggested modifications in the electronic structure of CuO due to the incorporation of silver ions. Cytotoxicity of the nanomaterials was assessed using MTT assays on HEK293 and HeLa cell lines, with their results compared to the anticancer drug fluorouracil (5-FU). The Ag nanoparticles demonstrated superior cytotoxic effects compared to CuO, particularly at lower concentrations, while they boosted the potency of CuO in the nanocomposite. This enhanced activity is attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their synergistic interactions, inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in cancer cells. This environmentally friendly synthesis method reduces reliance on toxic chemicals, advancing innovative cancer treatments while promoting public health and sustainability through bioresource use.

Keywords

• Biosynthesis
• Metallic nanoparticles
• Metal oxide
• Anticancer
• Biomaterials
• Searsia lancea