Biosynthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles Using the Aqueous Extract of Mucuna pruriens (utilis): Structural Characterization, and the Anticancer and Antioxidant Activities

Abstract

A simple, green, and cost-effective synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles particles (NPs) using an extract of Mucuna pruriens utilis is reported. The nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV–vis spectroscopy, SEM, and TEM measurements. XRD results showed diffraction patterns that are consistent with the hexagonal phase of the wurtzite ZnO structure. Spherical morphology with irregular size and particle distribution was confirmed by the microscopic characterization. The antioxidant activity of the nanoparticles showed a concentration-dependent profile with an IC50 of 4.10 µg mL− 1, which was quite lower than that of the standard ascorbic acid (4.72 µg mL− 1), and indicated a significant free radical scavenging activity of the nanomaterials. The cytotoxicity properties of the nanoparticles were evaluated against human cancer cell lines HeLa and HEK 293 by the MTT assay, and the anticancer drug (5-Fluorouracil) was used as a control. The results showed selective toxicity of the nanoparticles towards cancerous cell lines and non-toxicity to normal cells. The study provides a simple and non-toxic protocol for biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles with potential biomedical applications as anticancer and antioxidant agents. However, further studies are necessary to ascertain the biochemical reactions and mechanisms responsible for the antioxidant and anticancer activities.