Characterization and anticancer evaluation of zirconia nanoparticles synthesized via green route using sophora flavescens roots extract
Mouhaned Y. Al-darwesh, Karukh Ali Babakr, İbrahim Nazem Qader
Abstract
The emergence of drug resistance in cancer cells has impeded recent progress in cancer therapy, leading to the investigation of novel anticancer drugs . The fabrication of metal and ZrO 2 nanoparticles is a promising path with prospective applications across diverse technological domains. The present study investigates the potential anticancer effects of ZrO 2 NPs obtained from the root extract of Sophora flavescens on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The structural and chemical features of these nanoparticles are analyzed using several techniques such as flow cytometry , SEM, TEM , FTIR , and UV–vis spectroscopy. The examination of XRD and TEM images demonstrates the significant contribution of plant root extract in enhancing the efficiency of nanoparticles , leading to the formation of nearly tetragonal crystal structures with an average size of 8 nm. The MTT experiment verifies the nanoparticles' anticancer activity, which depends on the dosage. The IC50 value of 253 μg/mL indicates the half-maximal inhibitory concentration. The optical microscope reveals an unusual sight: MCF-7 cells appear more spherical and less dense at higher concentrations. This research also investigates the antibacterial properties of ZrO 2 nanoparticles against harmful bacteria, particularly those resistant to multiple drugs. The diffusion disk assay indicates that the nanoparticles are active against drug-resistant isolates, with zones of inhibition ranging from 31 to 55 millimeters. Additionally, the researchers noted a positive correlation between nanoparticle concentration and the size of the inhibition zone. Overall, the data indicates the potential of ZrO 2 NPs to aid in cancer therapy as well as in combating infections.