Cellular Investigations on Mechanistic Biocompatibility of Green Synthesized Calcium Oxide Nanoparticles with Danio rerio

Abstract

The utility of calcium oxide nanoparticles in the biomedical and physical fields has instigated their biocompatible synthesis and production. Moreover, it is important to investigate their biocompatibility at the molecular level for biomedical and ecotoxicological concern. This study explores the green synthesis of calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaONP) using Crescentia cujete leaf extract. The synthesized CaONP were found to have a size of 62 ± 06 nm and a hydrodynamic diameter of 246 ± 12 nm, as determined by FE-SEM and dynamic light scattering (DLS). CaONP was stable in fish medium with a zeta potential of −23 ± 11 mV. The biocompatibility of the CaONP was investigated with adult zebrafish bearing an LC50 of 86.32 µg/mL. Cellular and molecular investigation revealed the mechanism of biocompatibility as a consequence of elicited reactive oxygen species leading to apoptosis, due to accumulation and internalization of CaONP in exposed zebrafish. The study provided detailed information about the mechanistic biocompatibility and a defined horizon of green synthesis of CaONP for biomedical and ecological purposes.