Biosynthesis of ZnO.Ag2O3 using aqueous extract of Haplophyllum obtusifolium: Characterization and cell toxicity activity against liver carcinoma cells

Abstract

The zinc oxide-silver oxide nanocomposite (ZnO.Ag2O3 particles) was prepared by using an aqueous plant extract of Haplophyllum obtusifolium for the first time. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transforms spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were applied to analyze the structure, functional groups, morphology, and purity of the prepared nanocomposite. PXRD revealed the formulation of ZnO.Ag2O3 for the particles. The investigation of functional groups has demonstrated the presence of some carbonated impurities along with absorbed water in the composition of the ZnO.Ag2O3 nanocomposite. Morphologically, particles have formed a petal-like shape with different sizes. The EDX analysis also confirmed the composition of the prepared sample and the presence of 4.78% silver in the formula. Additionally, the TEM analysis revealed spherical and rectangular shapes with a particle size of 80.43 ± 46.73 nm. Moreover, the ZnO.Ag2O3 particles were used against cancer cells, which has shown synthesized NCs have a toxic effect against liver cancer cells in a concentration and time-dependent manner.