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Flower-shaped ZnO nanoparticles from Lactococcus lactis LAB2: potential selective anti-cancer activity via oxidative
Ameneh Tatari1, Fatemeh Salimi2, Safiyeh Aghazadeh3
1Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, 36716-41167, Iran.
World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology
|January 13, 2026
Summary
Biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP2) selectively target cancer cells, inducing apoptosis via oxidative stress modulation. These nanoparticles show promise as anticancer agents, with further validation needed.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Developing targeted anticancer agents is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- Biosynthesis of nanoparticles offers a sustainable and potentially cost-effective approach.
- Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP2) synthesized using Lactococcus lactis show promise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anticancer selectivity and efficacy of biosynthesized ZnO-NP2.
- To investigate the mechanisms of ZnO-NP2-induced apoptosis in cancer cells.
- To characterize the physicochemical properties of ZnO-NP2.
Main Methods:
- Cell viability assays (HUVEC, HCT116, K562) at 0.25 mg/mL ZnO-NP2.
- Acridine orange-ethidium bromide staining for apoptosis and necrosis.
- Oxidative stress markers (catalase, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, glutathione) analysis.
- Gene expression analysis (BAX, BCL2) via RT-qPCR.
- Physicochemical characterization (FTIR, zeta potential, morphology).
- DPPH assay for antioxidant activity.
Main Results:
- ZnO-NP2 maintained high viability in normal HUVEC cells (96.44%) but reduced cancer cell viability (HCT116: 58.92%, K562: 39.24%).
- Apoptosis and necrosis were induced in a dose-dependent manner, with K562 cells showing 61.66% combined apoptotic/necrotic population.
- Selective redox modulation observed, including catalase upregulation (46.9% in HCT116) and increased oxidative stress markers in cancer cells.
- Significant alterations in apoptotic genes: BAX upregulation (29.68-fold in HCT116) and BCL2 downregulation (0.05-fold in K562).
- Protein coating, negative surface charge (-25 to -30 mV), and flower-like morphology confirmed.
- ZnO-NP2 exhibited antioxidant activity in cell-free assays (63.15% DPPH reduction).
Conclusions:
- Biosynthesized ZnO-NP2 demonstrate selective anticancer activity in vitro.
- Apoptosis is induced via modulation of oxidative stress and activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway.
- Preliminary findings suggest potential for ZnO-NP2 as targeted anticancer agents, requiring further in vivo studies.
