Insights into the antioxidant and anticancer properties of novel biologically synthesized NiO/Ni2O3 nanoparticles using Sargassum tenerrimum

Presently, the utilization of nanomaterials has evolved as an appealing alternative for ever-changing healthcare obstacles due to their distinctive features and multifunctional applications. This work aimed to fabricate and analyze novel NiO/Ni₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs) using Sargassum tentorium extracts and investigate their antioxidant and anticancer potentials. Diverse analytical instrumental tools were applied to explore NiO/Ni₂O₃ NPs, including UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UVDRS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRTEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses. HRTEM images revealed mostly quasi-spherical and wire-shaped NPs with average 97 and 87 nm sizes for NiO/Ni₂O₃ NPs. Afterward, the biological properties of the biologically manufactured NiO/Ni₂O₃ NPs were explored. This work assessed the anticancer potential of as-fabricated NiO/Ni₂O₃ NPs utilizing the MTT assay. The experiment assessed cell viability at doses ranging from 7.81 to 500 µg/mL during a 24 h period for the breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The study outcomes demonstrate a concentration-dependent effect of fabricated NiO/Ni₂O₃ NPs on MCF-7 cells. The inhibition of MCF-7 cells increases with the concentration of NiO/Ni₂O₃ NPs, achieving an IC₅₀ value of 883.4 µg/mL in 24 h. Furthermore, the antioxidant potency of NiO/Ni₂O₃ NPs was examined via a free radical scavenging ABTS and DPPH assay. At a concentration of 50 μg/mL, NiO/Ni₂O₃ NPs also exhibited 74.71% ABTS scavenging and 71.62% DPPH scavenging inhibition, respectively. In conclusion, NiO/Ni₂O₃ NPs manufactured via Sargassum tenerrimum extracts could be promising candidates for further biomedical applications.

Graphical Abstract