Enhanced anticancer and biological activities of environmentally friendly Ni/Cu-ZnO solid solution nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) possess therapeutic potential but require enhancement for improved efficacy.
• Incorporating transition metals like Nickel (Ni) and Copper (Cu) can modify ZnO NP properties.
• Developing novel nanomaterials for targeted cancer therapy and antioxidant applications is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize Ni/Cu-ZnO NPs.
• To evaluate the anticancer activity of Ni/Cu-ZnO NPs against breast cancer cells.
• To assess the antioxidant capacity of Ni/Cu-ZnO NPs.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Ni/Cu-ZnO NPs.
• Characterization using pXRD, FTIR, UV-visible spectroscopy, FESEM, and EDAX.
• In vitro cytotoxicity assays (MDA and BHK-21 cells), antioxidant assays (TAC, FRAP, DPPH), and molecular docking.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis and structural modification of Ni/Cu-ZnO NPs confirmed.
• Ni/Cu-ZnO NPs demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells, with lower toxicity to normal cells.
• Ni/Cu-ZnO NPs exhibited superior antioxidant activity compared to pure ZnO NPs.
• Molecular docking validated the binding affinities and biological activities.

Conclusions:

• Ni/Cu-ZnO NPs exhibit enhanced anticancer and antioxidant properties due to synergistic effects.
• These NPs show promise as therapeutic agents for cancer treatment and antioxidant applications.
• The study highlights the potential of bimetallic doping for improving nanomaterial functionality.