A Novel Cellulose/Clay/NiO Nanocomposite from Bare Wastes: Fabrication, Characterization, Biophysical, and In vitro Studies

Cervical cancer is known as the fourth most common case among women worldwide. Despite several treatments, still cervical cancer is a significant cause of health problems in women. Nowadays, nanotechnology has been used to increase cancer treatment efficacy. So, the study aims to synthesize the natural nanocomposite and evaluate its anticancer activity, cell membrane fluidity, and morphology changes against HeLa cancer cells. Cellulose was extracted from bare wastes. NiO nanoparticles and clay were added to it to have cellulose-clay-NiO nanocomposite. This novel nanocomposite was characterized using Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and elemental analysis. TEM images show a spherical shape with an average size of 19 nm. EDAX and elemental analysis show C, O (cellulose), Si, Al (SiO2 and Al2O3 of clay), and Ni (NiO) confirming the successful synthesis of the nanocomposite. XRD pattern of nanocomposite shows the presence of cellulose, NiO, and clay. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), membrane fluidity and apoptosis assay were estimated upon treatment with nanocomposite on HeLa cancer cell lines. The MTT assay of nanocomposite displayed concentration-dependent cytotoxicity. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration was found to be 106.9 mu g/mL. The enhanced level of ROS in the treated cells caused a decline in cell membrane fluidity and finally induced apoptosis in HeLa cells. So, exposure to nanocomposite resulted in decreased cell viability and excitation of apoptosis. Therefore, it can be used as a biodegradable, cost-effective drug for cancer treatment.