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image of Evaluation of Anticancer Potential in Human Colorectal Carcinoma HCT-116 Cells by Fungal-Mediated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Abstract

Introduction

Chemotherapy faces limitations such as toxicity and resistance, necessitating novel cancer treatments. Green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have attracted attention for their safety, biocompatibility, and therapeutic potential. This study investigates the anticancer efficacy of ZnO-NPs synthesized using the extracellular matrix of against colorectal cancer cell lines ().

Methods

ZnO-NPs were synthesized extracellularly using fungal extract. The nanoparticles were characterized through UV-Vis spectrophotometry, showing an absorbance peak at 375 nm, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which determined their morphology and size. The anticancer activity was evaluated using cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were assessed to understand the mechanism of cytotoxicity. studies were proposed for further validation.

Results

The synthesized ZnO-NPs appeared pale white and exhibited a characteristic absorbance at 375 nm. SEM revealed spherical particles ranging from 35–150 nm. The ZnO-NPs showed strong anticancer activity with an IC value of 40.6 µg/mL. ROS levels increased significantly in treated cells, while the MMP decreased to 77.25% compared to 100% in controls.

Discussion

ZnO-NPs exerted cytotoxic effects ROS generation and mitochondrial dysfunction. These results underscore the nanoparticles’ ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells through oxidative stress pathways.

Conclusion

Biogenically synthesized ZnO-NPs from show promise as eco-friendly anticancer agents. Further studies are recommended to confirm their therapeutic potential.

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2025-08-27
2025-09-03

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/content/journals/acamc/10.2174/0118715206395334250707063019
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Evaluation of Anticancer Potential in Human Colorectal Carcinoma HCT-116 Cells by Fungal-Mediated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0118715206395334250707063019
/content/journals/acamc/10.2174/0118715206395334250707063019
/content/journals/acamc/10.2174/0118715206395334250707063019
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keywords: ROS ; tumour ; Anticancer ; Zinc-oxide nanoparticles ; Aspergillus biplanus ; MMP

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