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Synthesis of "Naked" TeO2 Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
Tina Hesabizadeh1, Evan Hicks1, David Medina Cruz2
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 2801 South University Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204, United States.
ACS Omega
|July 18, 2022
Summary
Tellurium dioxide nanoparticles (TeO2 NPs) show potent antibacterial and anticancer effects. These naked nanoparticles effectively combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and melanoma cells at low concentrations, offering promising therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Chalcogenide nanoparticles are actively researched for optoelectronic and biological applications.
- Tellurium dioxide nanoparticles (TeO2 NPs) offer unique properties for various applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize TeO2 NPs using pulsed laser ablation in liquids.
- To evaluate the antibacterial and anticancer properties of the synthesized TeO2 NPs.
- To investigate the role of reactive oxygen species in the observed biological effects.
Main Methods:
- Pulsed laser ablation in liquids for TeO2 NP synthesis.
- Characterization of nanoparticle size, morphology, and energy band gap.
- In vitro testing of antibacterial activity against MDR E. coli and MR S. aureus.
- In vitro testing of anticancer activity against melanoma and healthy fibroblasts.
- Measurement of reactive oxygen species generation.
Main Results:
- Spherical TeO2 NPs with a diameter of ~70 nm were produced.
- The energy band gap of TeO2 NPs was determined to be ~5.2 eV.
- TeO2 NPs exhibited dose-dependent antibacterial effects against MDR E. coli and MR S. aureus (IC50 ~4.3 and 3.7 ppm, respectively).
- TeO2 NPs showed significant anticancer activity against melanoma (IC50 ~1.6 ppm) with minimal toxicity to healthy fibroblasts (IC50 ~5.5 ppm).
Conclusions:
- Synthesized TeO2 NPs demonstrate potent antibacterial and anticancer properties.
- The "naked" surface of TeO2 NPs contributes to their efficacy at low concentrations.
- Reactive oxygen species play a role in the observed biological activities.
- TeO2 NPs show significant promise for safe antibacterial and anticancer therapeutic applications.
