Anti-microbial and anti-cancer activities of Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Dy_xFe_2-xO₄ (x ≤ 0.1) nanoparticles

Combining two or more nanoparticles is a promising approach. Previously we have reported synthesis of nanoparticles Dysprosium (Dy) substituted with manganese (Mn) zinc (Zn) by using ultrasonication method. The five different nanoparticles (NPs) Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Dy_xFe_2-xO₄ (x ≤ 0.1) have been structurally and morphologically characterized but there is no report on the biological application of these NPs. In the present study, we have examined the anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activities of Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Dy_xFe_2-xO₄ (x ≤ 0.1) NPs. Human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT-116) were tested with different concentrations of NPs by using MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. In addition, the impact of NPs was also examined on normal cells such as human embryonic kidney cells, HEK-293. After 48 h of treatment, Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Dy_xFe_2-xO₄ NPs (x = 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06) showed no inhibitory action on cancer cell's growth and proliferation, whereas Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Dy_xFe_2-xO₄ NPs (x = 0.08 and 0.1) showed profound inhibitory action on cancer cell's growth and proliferation. However, the treatment of Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Dy_xFe_2-xO₄ NPs on the normal cells (HEK-293) did not show cytotoxic or inhibitory action on HEK-293 cells. The treatment of Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Dy_xFe_2-xO₄ NPs (x ≤ 0.1) also inhibited both the bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC35218 and Staphylococcus aureus) with lowest MIC and MBC values of 4 and 8 mg/mL and fungus (Candida albicans) with MIC and MFC values of 4 and 8 mg/mL on treatment with x = 0.08 and 0. 1.