Safety of Eco-Friendly Zinc Oxide Particles Made from Bananas on Human Cells

Jim Crocker
13th June, 2024

Safety of Eco-Friendly Zinc Oxide Particles Made from Bananas on Human Cells

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) studied the cytotoxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized through chemical and green methods on Vero cells
  • Green-synthesized ZnO NPs using Musa acuminata leaf extract (Ma-ZnO NPs) were less toxic to cells compared to chemically synthesized ZnO NPs (C-ZnO NPs)
  • Ma-ZnO NPs resulted in higher cell viability and fewer cells undergoing apoptosis, suggesting they are safer for biological applications
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are increasingly being utilized across various industries due to their unique properties, including their potential applications in medicine and environmental protection. A recent study conducted by researchers at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)[1] aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity of ZnO NPs synthesized through chemical methods (C-ZnO NPs) and green methods using Musa acuminata leaf aqueous extract (Ma-ZnO NPs) on Vero cells. This study provides insights into the biocompatibility of these nanoparticles and their potential implications for safer applications. ZnO NPs have shown promising results in various applications, including their use in sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum UV protection[2]. However, concerns have been raised about their cytotoxic effects, which can limit their safe use, especially in biological contexts. Previous research has indicated that ZnO NPs can exhibit selective toxicity towards cancerous cells, potentially making them useful in cancer treatments[3]. This selective toxicity is often attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause cell damage and death. In this study, the researchers synthesized ZnO NPs through both chemical and green methods and characterized them using various techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). These methods confirmed the successful synthesis of both C-ZnO NPs and Ma-ZnO NPs. To assess the cytotoxic effects of these nanoparticles, the researchers conducted MTT and ROS assays on Vero cells, a type of cell line derived from the kidney of an African green monkey. These assays revealed that both C-ZnO NPs and Ma-ZnO NPs induced cytotoxic effects in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. However, Ma-ZnO NPs exhibited significantly higher cell viability compared to C-ZnO NPs, suggesting that the green synthesis method resulted in nanoparticles that were less toxic to the cells. The study also utilized flow cytometry analysis to further investigate the effects of the nanoparticles on cell viability and apoptosis (programmed cell death). The results indicated that cells exposed to Ma-ZnO NPs had a higher proportion of viable cells and fewer cells in the early and late stages of apoptosis compared to those exposed to C-ZnO NPs. Additionally, more cells were arrested in the G1 phase of the cell cycle upon exposure to C-ZnO NPs, which is associated with oxidative stress and DNA damage caused by ROS generation. These findings align with previous studies that have highlighted the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of ZnO NPs, particularly those synthesized through chemical methods[4]. The current study emphasizes the potential benefits of green synthesis methods, which adhere to the principles of green chemistry and result in nanoparticles with a more favorable biocompatibility profile. Furthermore, the study observed time-dependent cytotoxicity and morphological alterations in cells treated with both types of ZnO NPs, indicating cellular damage. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated a time-dependent increase in ROS formation in cells exposed to both C- and Ma-ZnO NPs, further supporting the correlation between elevated ROS levels and cell damage. The results of this study suggest that green ZnO NPs synthesized using Musa acuminata leaf extract possess reduced cytotoxicity compared to their chemically synthesized counterparts. This finding is significant as it highlights the potential of green synthesis methods to develop safer and more environmentally friendly ZnO NPs for various applications, including medical and environmental uses. In conclusion, the study conducted by UTAR researchers provides valuable insights into the cytotoxic effects of ZnO NPs and underscores the importance of green synthesis methods. By reducing the cytotoxicity of ZnO NPs, green synthesis approaches can contribute to the development of safer nanoparticles for a wide range of applications, ultimately benefiting both human health and the environment.

MedicineBiotechBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Cytotoxicity of green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles using Musa acuminata on Vero cells.

Published 15th June, 2024 (future Journal edition)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31316

Related Studies

2) Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens: focus on their safety and effectiveness.

https://doi.org/10.2147/NSA.S19419

3) Preferential killing of cancer cells and activated human T cells using ZnO nanoparticles.

https://doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/19/29/295103

4) Zinc oxide nanoparticles: Synthesis, antiseptic activity and toxicity mechanism.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2017.07.033


Related Articles

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙