Bio-Synthesis of TiO₂ and Ag-TiO₂ Nanoparticles using Aegle marmelos Seed Extract and their Potential Efficacy...

The current study described the bio-functionalized metal nanoparticles TiO₂ and Ag-TiO₂ synthesis using Aegle marmelos (stone apple) seed extract. The TiO₂ and Ag-TiO₂ NPs were characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analysis. The stability of green-synthesized nanoparticles was studied by zeta potential analysis. Both NPs showed Cytotoxic effects on K562 (a cell line for human acute leukemia) with different efficacy IC₅₀ value of TiO₂ NPs was 151.3 µg/ml, whereas 27.65 µg/ml for Ag-TiO₂ NPs. Microscopic analysis (100x) revealed concentration-dependent morphological changes, with Ag-TiO₂ NPs exhibiting enhanced cytotoxicity. A flow cytometry study showed that there were significant increases in late apoptotic cells and decreases in healthy cells after treatment with Ag-TiO₂ NPs. Overall these studies confirmed anti-cancer activity of TiO₂ and Ag-TiO₂ NPs. Free radical scavenging property was studied by DPPH assay, both TiO₂ and Ag-TiO₂ exhibits antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ value of 437.1 μg/ml (Ag-TiO₂ NP) and 544.1 μg/ml (TiO₂ NP) respectively. This result predicts silver doping enhanced an antioxidant property. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity surprisingly showed TiO₂ and Ag-TiO₂ NPs dramatically suppress COX-2 and TNF-α production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated cells and also cut down expression of IL-1α and CRP levels in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the same was confirmed by histopathological examination; TiO₂ and Ag-TiO₂ NPs mitigate tissue damage and inflammation and also showed hepatoprotective properties. In conclusion, both TiO₂ and Ag-TiO₂ NPs exhibit strong anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties in both in vitro and in vivo conditions.