Biogenic Copper/Zinc Oxide Nanocomposites from Bixa orellana: Anticancer Effects through ROS Generation and Apoptosis Induction in Cervical Carcinoma

Abstract

Bimetallic Copper oxide (CuO) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanocomposites have lagged behind other nanoparticles in terms of biological applications for cancer treatment. In physiologic environments, chemically generated nanoparticles frequently aggregate, which reduces their usefulness in biological contexts. The current study describes a straightforward and environmentally benign way of creating bimetallic nanoparticles (BMNPs) by utilizing seed extract from Bixa orellana to combine copper oxide (CuO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) (CuO-ZnO BMNCs). We assessed the cancer prevention characteristics of the biosynthesized bimetallic CuO-ZnO nanocomposites. Characterization of the CuO-ZnO BMNCs was performed using various techniques, with UV-Vis, FTIR, zeta potential, DLS, EDX, and SEM analyses. This investigation demonstrates the synthesis process, distinctive properties, antioxidant activity, and anticancer mechanisms of the nanocomposites, as well as their potential therapeutic applications. The UV–visible spectrum of CuO-ZnO BMNCs exhibited an absorption peak at 370 nm, confirming the formation of CuO-ZnO nanocomposites. The XRD analysis revealed the crystalline nature of the BMNCs, while SEM images demonstrated predominantly spherical particles with an average diameter of 119 nm. The impacts of CuO-ZnO BMNCs on HeLa cells were examined through cell viability, ROS activation, and apoptosis induction. The cell death was measured with an Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate assay, and cell cycle impact was evaluated by staining DNA with propidium iodide. Time-dependent cell death was observed with BO-Cu/ZnO BMNCs, showing a maximum inhibitory effect of 49 ± 1.34% at doses of 15 µg/mL or higher after 24 h of treatment. Additionally, CuO-ZnO BMNCs induced apoptosis in HeLa cells, with 54.12% of treated cells undergoing apoptosis at 15 µg/mL and a concurrent cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. These findings suggest that CuO-ZnO BMNCs could be a viable option for the development of novel cervical cancer therapies.