An eco-friendly and cost-effective approach for the synthesis of a novel GA@CuO–ZnO nanocomposite: characterization, antimicrobial and anticancer activities

Abstract

In this study, a nanocomposite based on copper oxide–zinc oxide nanoparticles and Gum Arabic (GA@CuO–ZnO nanocomposite) was successfully synthesized using green method. Characterization results revealed that the prepared nanocomposite appeared at the nanoscale level, showed excellent dispersion, and formed stable colloidal nano-solutions. The bimetallic GA@CuO–ZnO nanocomposite was evaluated for its anticancer, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Cytotoxicity testing of the synthesized GA@CuO–ZnO nanocomposite against Wi38 and Vero normal cell lines showed IC₅₀ values of 143.3 and 220.9 μg ml⁻¹, respectively, indicating that the nanocomposite is safe for use. Moreover, the synthesized GA@CuO–ZnO nanocomposite showed anticancer activity against HepG2 and MCF7 cell lines, with IC₅₀ values of 54.7 and 79.2 μg ml⁻¹, respectively. The nanocomposite also showed promising antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermis, and Bacillus subtilis, with MIC values ranging from 31.25 to 62.5 μg ml⁻¹. Furthermore, the prepared nanocomposite exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus fumigatus and A. brasiliensis, with an MIC of 31.25 μg ml⁻¹ against all tested fungal strains, except A. fumigatus (MIC 125 μg ml⁻¹). In conclusion, the synthesized GA@CuO–ZnO nanocomposite was successfully synthesized, and it exhibited promising antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer activities at safe doses.