Spherical petal-like ZnO–NiO p–n junction as an excellent ROS scavenger to inhibit the proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer cells

Abstract

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) have been identified as secondary intracellular messengers that exacerbate ovarian cancer progression. Eliminating ROS from the tumor microenvironment presents a compelling strategy for ovarian cancer treatment. In this study, we synthesized a unique spherical petal-like ZnO–NiO p–n junction and evaluated its effectiveness as a ROS scavenger, aiming to curb the proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer cells. Through Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, colony formation tests, and Transwell co-culture experiments, we observed that the ZnO–NiO junction curtails ovarian cancer cell proliferation and migration, all while ensuring negligible toxicity to normal human granulosa KGN cells. The anti-cancer efficacy of ZnO–NiO was further validated in vivo, employing an ovarian cancer peritoneal metastasis model. Techniques such as in vivo imaging system (IVIS) imaging, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and Ki-67 immunostaining collectively attested that ZnO–NiO markedly obstructs ovarian cancer growth and metastasis. Notably, ZnO–NiO eradicated the heightened ROS levels induced by ovarian cancer cells within normal cells. Collectively, these findings underscore the potential of ZnO–NiO as a novel therapeutic avenue for ovarian cancer. They also amplify the promise of ROS-scavenging nanoparticles in clinical contexts. The pioneering work on ZnO–NiO not only heralds a promising intervention against ovarian cancer but also stimulates future explorations in ROS-centric cancer therapies.