Synthesis of Tridax procumbens mediated TiO2 nanoparticles, investigation of antibacterial and anti-cancer activity against selected oral pathogens.

OBJECTIVE: Oral pathogens, including Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mutans, cause infections and have been associated with oral cancer. The rise of drug-resistant bacterial pathogens needs novel treatment strategies. This study aimed to develop and evaluate Tridax procumbens-mediated titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles as a dual-functional, eco-friendly nanotherapeutic agent with antibacterial and anticancer potential.

DESIGN: A green synthesis strategy was used with T. procumbens extract as a bioreductant. TiO₂ NPs were analyzed by UV-Visible, FTIR, XRD, and SEM. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) using the well diffusion and microdilution methods. The anticancer activity against KB oral cancer cells was assessed using the MTT assay, morphological evaluation, DAPI staining, and analysis of apoptotic gene expression.

RESULTS: UV-Vis examination revealed an absorption peak at 294.45 nm, indicating TiO₂ NP production with an average crystalline size of 24.36 nm. The nanoparticles demonstrated excellent antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones reaching 22 mm and MIC values as low as 3.9 μg/mL. Cytotoxic experiments demonstrated dose- and time-dependent suppression of KB cell growth, with IC₅₀ values of 61 μg/mL (24 h) and 29 μg/mL (48 h). Apoptosis induction was validated by increased BAX, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9 expression, as well as decreased BCL2.

CONCLUSIONS: Tridax procumbens-mediated TiO₂ nanoparticles show strong antibacterial and anticancer properties, indicating their promise as eco-friendly, dual-function nanotherapeutic agents for treating oral diseases.