Synthesis and Characterization of Zn_(1-x-y)Mn_xCo_yO NPs for Liver Cancer Treatment

In this study, pure and cobalt manganese-doped ZnO nanoparticles (Zn_(1-x-y)Mn_xCo_yO NPs) at varying concentrations were synthesized through sol-gel method, and zinc acetate dihydrate, manganese nitrate, cobalt acetate, and diethyl amine were used as precursors, with samples finally calcined at 700oC.

The hexagonal wurtzite structure of pure and co-doped ZnO NPs was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The computed grain sizes of pure and co-doped ZnO NPs, according to Scherrer's formula, were 32 nm, 32.5 nm, 36.3 nm, and 36.5 nm, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to observe the morphology of nanoparticles. FTIR spectroscopy was used to examine the chemical make-up and vibrational modes of pure and co-doped ZnO NPs. The bandgaps of pure and doped ZnO were examined using UV-Vis spectroscopy.

It was found that the optical bandgap of ZnO was lowered by 3.21 eV by manganese and cobalt doping. Elemental composition analysis was performed by using EDX analysis. Finally, anticancer activity of pure and co-doped ZnO NPs was assessed by employing MTT assay, which indicated that Zn_0.8 Mn_0.1 Co_0.1O NPs showed significant anticancer results against liver cancer (HepG2) cells as compared to ZnO, Zn_0.98 Mn_0.01Co_0.01O and Zn_0.90 Mn_0.05 Co_0.05O NPs. Moreover, Zn_0.8 Mn_0.1 Co_0.1O NPs showed low toxicity and good biocompatibility comparable to doxorubicin (DOX).

Comprehensive experimental findings have demonstrated an authentic way of obtaining feasible in vivo liver cancer therapy.