Synthesis and characterization of ZnO–TiO₂–chitosan–escin metallic nanocomposites: Evaluation of their antimicrobial and anticancer activities

Abstract

This work intended to formulate bio-nanocomposites of zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium oxide (TiO2), chitosan, and escin, characterize their physical properties, and evaluate their antimicrobial and anticancer properties. X-ray diffractometers (XRD) and scanning and transmission electron microscopes were applied to characterize the morphology and ultrastructure of chemically synthesized bio-nanocomposites. To investigate the functional groups of bio-nanocomposites, we used Perkin–Elmer spectrometers for Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy for PL spectrum analysis. Antimicrobial activities against bacterial and fungal strains were tested with agar well diffusion. Bio-nanocomposites were tested for anticancer effects on a MOLT4 blood cancer cell line using morphological analysis, methyl thiazole tetrazolium assay, apoptosis by acridine orange/ethidium bromide, and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). In XRD, FTIR, and PL, the active compounds of ZnO–TiO2, chitosan, and escin peaks were observed. Our bio-nanocomposites demonstrated antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal pathogens. The bio-nanocomposite was cytotoxic to MOLT4 cells at an IC50 concentration of 33.4 µg·mL−1. Bio-nanocomposites caused cytotoxicity, changes in cell morphology, and mitochondrial membrane potential degradation, all of which resulted in apoptotic cell death. MOLT4 cells were found to be responsive to bio-nanocomposites based on ZnO–TiO2–chitosan–escin.

The Advancing Role of Nanocomposites in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

“…The LbL assembly involves a sequential deposition of oppositely charged nanoparticles and polymers to form a multilayer structure. [13][14][15] Characterization techniques play a pivotal role in evaluating the properties and performance of nanocomposites for cancer applications. Common characterization techniques include dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) [14][15][16][17] (Figure 1).…”

“…[13][14][15] Characterization techniques play a pivotal role in evaluating the properties and performance of nanocomposites for cancer applications. Common characterization techniques include dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) [14][15][16][17] (Figure 1). Each of these techniques provides a unique assessment of the properties of the nanocomposite.…”

“…The synthesis and characterization of nanocomposites for cancer applications also involve developing advanced materials with unique properties tailored for diagnosis and treatment. Recent research highlights notable examples include smart supermagnetic nanocomposites, 14 Yttrium oxide nanocomposites, 19 ZnO–TiO 2 –Chitosan–Escin nanocomposites, 15 branched magnetic nanocomposites, 18 and Copper Oxide–Titanium Oxide–Chitosan–Amygdalin nanocomposites. 17 Supermagnetic nanocomposites, based on iron oxide nanoparticles coated with Pluronic F127, have been synthesized for targeted drug delivery in cancer therapy, 14 and polymer-gated and superparamagnetic nanoparticle embedded hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a smart multifunctional nanocarrier for targeted and controlled drug delivery for cancer treatment.…”

Fabrication of Antibacterial and Antioxidant ZnO-Impregnated Amine-Functionalized Chitosan Bio-Nanocomposite Membrane for Advanced Biomedical Applications

“…Consequently, this can cause bacterial cell membrane breakdown, membrane protein mutilation, and genomic instability, resulting in the death of bacterial cells. All these mechanisms could cumulatively contribute to the bacterial cell death phenomenon [44].…”