Characterization and anticancer evaluation of zirconia nanoparticles synthesized via green route using sophora flavescens roots extract

Abstract

The emergence of drug resistance in cancer cells has impeded recent progress in cancer therapy, leading to the investigation of novel anticancer drugs. The fabrication of metal and ZrO₂ nanoparticles is a promising path with prospective applications across diverse technological domains. The present study investigates the potential anticancer effects of ZrO₂ NPs obtained from the root extract of Sophora flavescens on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The structural and chemical features of these nanoparticles are analyzed using several techniques such as flow cytometry, SEM, TEM, FTIR, and UV–vis spectroscopy. The examination of XRD and TEM images demonstrates the significant contribution of plant root extract in enhancing the efficiency of nanoparticles, leading to the formation of nearly tetragonal crystal structures with an average size of 8 nm. The MTT experiment verifies the nanoparticles' anticancer activity, which depends on the dosage. The IC50 value of 253 μg/mL indicates the half-maximal inhibitory concentration. The optical microscope reveals an unusual sight: MCF-7 cells appear more spherical and less dense at higher concentrations. This research also investigates the antibacterial properties of ZrO₂ nanoparticles against harmful bacteria, particularly those resistant to multiple drugs. The diffusion disk assay indicates that the nanoparticles are active against drug-resistant isolates, with zones of inhibition ranging from 31 to 55 millimeters. Additionally, the researchers noted a positive correlation between nanoparticle concentration and the size of the inhibition zone. Overall, the data indicates the potential of ZrO₂ NPs to aid in cancer therapy as well as in combating infections.