Copolymer-Green-Synthesized Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Enhance Folate-Targeting in Cervical Cancer Cells In Vitro

Abstract

Cervical cancer is fast becoming a global health crisis, accounting for most female deaths in low- and middle-income countries. It is the fourth most frequent cancer affecting women, and due to its complexity, conventional treatment options are limited. Nanomedicine has found a niche in gene therapy, with inorganic nanoparticles becoming attractive tools for gene delivery strategies. Of the many metallic nanoparticles (NPs) available, copper oxide NPs (CuONPs) have been the least investigated in gene delivery. In this study, CuONPs were biologically synthesized using Melia azedarach leaf extract, functionalized with chitosan and polyethylene glycol (PEG), and conjugated to the targeting ligand folate. A peak at 568 nm from UV-visible spectroscopy and the characteristic bands for the functional groups using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the successful synthesis and modification of the CuONPs. Spherical NPs within the nanometer range were evident from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The NPs portrayed exceptional binding and protection of the reporter gene, pCMV-Luc-DNA. In vitro cytotoxicity studies revealed cell viability >70% in human embryonic kidney (HEK293), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), and cervical cancer (HeLa) cells, with significant transgene expression, obtained using the luciferase reporter gene assay. Overall, these NPs showed favorable properties and efficient gene delivery, suggesting their potential role in gene therapy.

Green Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized by Terminalia chebula Dried Fruit Extract: Characterization and Antibacterial Action

“…The antibacterial activity of CuONPs against wound pathogens, including S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli, was evident in both the agar well diffusion and time-kill curve assays. CuONPs exhibited concentrationdependent antibacterial effects, with higher concentrations leading to more pronounced reductions in bacterial counts [18,19]. Notably, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa displayed rapid susceptibility to CuONPs, while E. coli exhibited a slower response.…”

Sustainable Synthesis of Novel Green-Based Nanoparticles for Therapeutic Interventions and Environmental Remediation

“…59 Similarly, the leaf extract of Melia azedarach was used to synthesize a polyethylene glycol (PEG) and chitosan fabricated and folate conjugated CuONP for in vitro targeting of cervical cancer. 60 The substantial anticancer efficacy of green-based NPs leads to a milestone in the treatment of metastatic cancer. However, due to its high toxicity, this cutting-edge nanoapproach is facing challenges in being used as a therapeutic agent in vivo.…”

“…This flower was also used to synthesize Au/ZnO NPs that demonstrated significant anticancer activity against the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line . Similarly, the leaf extract of Melia azedarach was used to synthesize a polyethylene glycol (PEG) and chitosan fabricated and folate conjugated CuONP for in vitro targeting of cervical cancer . The substantial anticancer efficacy of green-based NPs leads to a milestone in the treatment of metastatic cancer.…”

Copper and Copper-Based Nanoparticles in Medicine—Perspectives and Challenges

“…Copper and copper oxide nanoparticles have drawn much interest in the biomedical fields, offering diverse benefits, including drug stability, proper biodistribution, improved therapeutic index, and active agent delivery to the specific site (active or passive targeting) [ 35 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 ]. For instance, copper nanoparticles can be utilised as anticancer therapeutics or effective drug nanocarriers due to their large specific surface area that facilitates conjugation with various biomolecules.…”