A Facile Approach of Synthesizing Biogenic Copper Ferrite Nanoparticles: Characterization, Evaluation of Their Impact on Reducing Oxidative Stress-Induced Pathogenesis, and Human Breast Cancer Proliferation

Abstract

Plant-mediated nanoparticles gaining importance due to their broad spectrum of pharmacological applications in comparison to the synthetic drugs. The nanoparticles amalgamated using plant extracts have been receiving much attention due to the robust phytochemicals and therapeutic potential. Thus, we herein report the biosynthesis and pharmacological evaluation (anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet, and anti-cancer properties) of Decalepis hamiltonii leaves extract copper ferrite nanoparticles (DHLE-CuFe₂O₄ NPs). The characterization of DHLE-CuFe₂O₄ NPs was carried out using Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). DHLE-CuFe₂O₄ NPs exhibited anti-oxidant activity by scavenging 1,1-diphynyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals (66.46%) and reduced ferric to ferrous ions at the concentration of 150 μg/mL. Furthermore, DHLE-CuFe₂O₄ NPs restored the NaNO₂-induced oxidative stress markers such as lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl content, total thiol, and anti-oxidant enzyme (catalase and super oxide dismutase) activities in RBCs. DHLE-CuFe₂O₄ NPs were non-toxic as it did not cause RBCs lysis, while it exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting heat-induced hemolysis, egg albumin, and bovine serum albumin denaturation. In addition, DHLE-CuFe₂O₄ NPs inhibited ADP and epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation. Most importantly, DHLE-CuFe₂O₄ NPs showed anti-cancer potential by eliciting cytotoxic effect to MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Further, DHLE-CuFe₂O₄ NPs caused apoptosis to MCF-7 cells which was confirmed by annexin V/PI staining test and flow cytometer. In conclusion, DHLE-CuFe₂O₄ NPs regulate oxidative stress-induced red blood cell damage, thrombosis, inflammation, and MCF-7 cells growth.