Anti-proliferative activity of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles against breast cancer MCF-7 cells

Nanomaterials are a subject of immense interest within cancer research, primarily due to their promising role as potent anticancer agents, particularly in the context of targeted drug delivery. The present research work aims at exploring the antiproliferative potential of both undoped and metal doped Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized using bio-assisted methods against MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Undoped and Cu and Ag metal doped ZnO NPs were synthesized using various bio-assisted methods and appropriately characterized using PXRD, FTIR, UV-vis spectroscopy, DLS and SEM. The NPs were subsequently diluted using ultrapure water to final concentrations ranging from 10 to 2.5 mu g/ml. The antiproliferative efficiency of these NPs was assayed using WST-8 assay by measuring cell proliferation following exposure to various concentrations of these NPs over 24-h duration. The results of this study reveal that the undoped ZnO NPs synthesized using E officinalis fruit and P granatum peel aqueous extracts exhibit significant inhibitory impacts on MCF-7 cancer cells, particularly at higher concentrations. There was nearly a 45 % MCF-7 breast cancer cell line growth inhibition by both these NPs at the highest tested concentration of 10 mu g/ml. Additionally, metal doped ZnO NPs demonstrated heightened inhibitory ability in comparison to undoped ones. Among Cu and Ag doped ZnO NPs, 3 M Ag doped ZnO NPs caused nearly 56 % MCF-7 breast cancer cell line growth inhibition at the highest tested concentration of 10 mu g/ml. The authors noted that the adoption of novel bio-assisted synthesis methodologies showcases considerable potential in tailoring ZnO NPs properties to suit biomedical applications. Various forms of ZnO NPs used in the current study, underscores their potential as valuable tools in cancer treatment towards MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines, with a specific emphasis on the positive synergies realized when combining phytocompounds with ZnO NPs to enhance their antiproliferative effects.