Anticarcinogenic and antimicrobial assessment of copper oxide nanoparticles

Introduction

Nanoparticles have indeed revolutionized various fields due to their unique properties and applications. In pharmaceuticals, NPs are used to enhance drug delivery by improving solubility, bioavailability, and targeting specific areas in the body (Bajwa et al., 2023). Nanoparticles come in various forms metallic (like gold, silver, iron) and non-metallic (like carbonbased or polymer-based). Their size and properties can be finely tuned for specific applications, making them versatile tool across scientific disciplines (Sajid and Płotka-Wasylka, 2020; Jabarkhil et al., 2023; Saleh and Hassan, 2023). For the past two decades, numerous researchers have explored the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles utilizing various metals such as iron, silver, gold, manganese, copper, zinc and more (Gahlawat and Choudhury, 2019; Darroudi et al., 2011). Similarly, Sardar et al. and Thambidurai et al. reported the biological and physicochemical properties of green metal and metal oxide nanoparticles using conventional methods (Sardar et al., 2022; Thambidurai et al., 2020). Among these, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have piqued researchers' interest due to their potential applications in cellular targeting and drug delivery, due to their excellent magnetic properties (Rajagopal et al., 2021). 

In recent times, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have been widespread utilization across a spectrum of items, including personal care products, food storage containers, household appliances, paints, textiles, batteries, catalysis, gas sensors, and tools for electrical, optical and solar energy applications (Siddiquee et al., 2021). The creation of nanoparticles through chemical means is expensive, showcasing only moderate anti-cancer capabilities while potentially affecting healthy cells. In contrast, using biosynthesized nanomaterials for cancer treatment has resulted in minimal side effects and toxicity, leading to enhanced targeted cell therapy. Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles have emerged as promising agents for combating various types of cancer cells effectively (Manimaran et al., 2023). Many researchers covered various aspects of CuO nanoparticles, including synthetic methods, characterization, applications in different fields, and their effects in areas like antibacterial activity and water treatment (Jadhav et al., 2011; Chakraborty et al., 2022; Bhavyasree and Xavier, 2022; Alahdal et al., 2023). 

The current research aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer potential of CuO NPs synthesized through green methods using Catharanthus roseus leaf extract. These nanoparticles were tested against pathogenic bacteria and human colon cancer cells in laboratory conditions.