Evaluation of Anticancer Potential in Human Colorectal Carcinoma HCT-116 Cells by Fungal-Mediated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles.

INTRODUCTION

Chemotherapy faces limitations such as toxicity and resistance, necessitating novel cancer treatments. Green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have attracted attention for their safety, biocompatibility, and therapeutic potential. This study investigates the anticancer efficacy of ZnO-NPs synthesized using the extracellular matrix of Aspergillus biplanus against colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT-116).

METHODS

ZnO-NPs were synthesized extracellularly using A. biplanus fungal extract. The nanoparticles were characterized through UV-Vis spectrophotometry, showing an absorbance peak at 375 nm, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which determined their morphology and size. The anticancer activity was evaluated in vitro using HCT-116 cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were assessed to understand the mechanism of cytotoxicity. In vivo studies were proposed for further validation.

RESULTS

The synthesized ZnO-NPs appeared pale white and exhibited a characteristic absorbance at 375 nm. SEM revealed spherical particles ranging from 35-150 nm. The ZnO-NPs showed strong anticancer activity with an IC50 value of 40.6 μg/mL. ROS levels increased significantly in treated cells, while the MMP decreased to 77.25% compared to 100% in controls.

DISCUSSION: ZnO-NPs exerted cytotoxic effects via ROS generation and mitochondrial dysfunction. These results underscore the nanoparticles' ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells through oxidative stress pathways.

CONCLUSION

Biogenically synthesized ZnO-NPs from A. biplanus show promise as eco-friendly anticancer agents. Further in vivo studies are recommended to confirm their therapeutic potential.