Biosynthesis, Characterization, and Augmented Anticancer Activity of ZrO2 Doped ZnO/rGO Nanocomposite

Abstract

Fabrication of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) via green process has received enormous attention for its application in biomedicine. Here, a simple and cost-effective green route is reported for the synthesis of ZrO2-doped ZnO/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites (ZnO/ZrO2/rGO NCs) exploiting ginger rhizome extract. Our aim was to improve the anticancer performance of ZnO/ZrO2/rGO NCs without toxicity to normal cells. The preparation of pure ZnO NPs, ZnO/ZrO2 NCs, and ZnO/ZrO2/rGO NCs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). XRD spectra of ZnO/ZrO2/rGO NCs exhibited two distinct sets of diffraction peaks, ZnO wurtzite structure, and ZrO2 phases (monoclinic + tetragonal). The SEM and TEM data show that ZrO2-doped ZnO particles were uniformly distributed on rGO sheets with the excellent quality of lattice fringes without alterations. PL spectra intensity and particle size of ZnO decreased after ZrO2-doping and rGO addition. DLS data demonstrated that green prepared samples show excellent colloidal stability in aqueous suspension. Biological results showed that ZnO/ZrO2/rGO NCs display around 3.5-fold higher anticancer efficacy in human lung cancer (A549) and breast cancer (MCF7) cells than ZnO NPs. A mechanistic approach suggested that the anticancer response of ZnO/ZrO2/rGO NCs was mediated via oxidative stress evident by the induction of the intracellular reactive oxygen species level and the reduction of the glutathione level. Moreover, green prepared nanostructures display good cytocompatibility in normal cell lines; human lung fibroblasts (IMR90) and breast epithelial (MCF10A) cells. However, the cytocompatibility of ZnO/ZrO2/rGO NCs in normal cells was better than those of pure ZnO NPs and ZnO/ZrO2 NCs. Augmented anticancer potential and improved cytocompatibility of ZnO/ZrO2/rGO NCs was due to ginger extract mediated beneficial synergism between ZnO, ZrO2, and rGO. This novel investigation emphasizes the significance of medicinal herb mediated ZnO-based NCs synthesis for biomedical research.

Thioredoxin (Trx): A redox target and modulator of cellular senescence and aging-related diseases

“…Cancer stands as a prominent cause of mortality within the elderly population, representing a prevalent ailment in the aging process. Among older adults, skin, lung, colon, breast, and prostate cancers are among the most frequently encountered types [ 288 ]. The higher incidence of these malignancies in elderly individuals can be attributed to the accumulation of DNA damage, mutations, and oxidative stress they experience [ 289 ].…”

Biomedical Applications of Zirconia-Based Nanomaterials: Challenges and Future Perspectives

“…A ZnO/ZrO 2 /rGO (reduced graphene oxide) nanocomposite prepared via the green approach using ginger rhizome extract displayed effective anticancer activity in humans. The results represent that ZnO/ZrO 2 /rGO NCs display higher anticancer efficacy in lung cancer (A549) cells and human breast cancer (MCF7) and display good cytocompatibility in normal cell lines and breast epithelial (MCF10A) and human lung fibroblasts (IMR90) cells [ 79 ]. ZrO 2 /rGO NCs were prepared using the aqueous leaf extract of Andrographis paniculate via a one-pot solvothermal green synthetic approach, showed excellent anticancer activity toward human A549 and HCT116 cancer cell lines, and did not cause any adverse effect on normal cells (hMSCs) [ 80 ].…”

Green synthesis of ZnO-TiO2/RGO nanocomposites usingSenna surattensisextract: a novel approach for enhanced anticancer efficacy and biocompatibility

“…To enhance the anticancer properties of these nanocomposites (NCs), several researchers have focused on combining two metal oxides with RGO as NCs in biomedical applications. For example, Ahamed et al 13 used ginger rhizome extract to prepare ZrO 2 -doped ZnO/rGO NCs, which exhibited far greater anticancer activity on lung (A549) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cells than pure ZnO NPs. Yao et al 14 synthesized SnO 2 /TiO 2 /RGO NCs using green hydrothermal methods with increased visible-light photocatalytic and antibacterial activity.…”