Biogenic synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles: comprehensive in vitro profiling for cervical cancer treatment and antibacterial strategies

Abstract

In response to growing concerns regarding the environmental impact of traditional chemical synthesis methods, this study delves into the phytoconstituents-based green synthesis of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) as a promising alternative. The study aimed to synthesize CuO NPs using eco-friendly methods with Erythrina variegata and then explore their anticancer, antibacterial, and photocatalytic properties. CuO NPs' structural and optical properties were comprehensively analyzed using UV-vis, XRD, FTIR, XPS, DLS, SEM, and HRTEM, with elemental mapping performed via EDAX. Cytotoxicity assays were conducted on cervical cancer HeLa cells and HEK293 noncancerous cells. The band gap of the CuO NPs was determined to be 3.781 eV, with a crystal size of 17.15 nm and a zeta potential of −23.1 mV. Remarkably, the synthesized nanoparticles exhibited a spherical morphology and demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against HeLa cells with an IC₅₀ value of 48 ± 5 μg mL⁻¹ while displaying lower toxicity towards HEK293 cells. Additionally, the prepared CuO NPs demonstrated dose-dependent anticancer potential, inhibiting cell migration and colony formation, and inducing apoptosis in HeLa cells. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of the prepared CuO NPs against S. aureus and E. coli paralleled that of the standard antibiotic streptomycin. Furthermore, we evaluated the photocatalytic capability of the developed CuO NPs, which demonstrated significant photocatalytic activity with a 91.12% degradation of the organic dye methylene blue in 180 min under UV irradiation, demonstrating their potential for breaking down organic pollutants in the environment. This study emphasizes the eco-friendly synthesis of CuO NPs, promising significant impacts on energy, the environment, and medicine through sustainable approaches.