Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Polymer Nanocomposites with Moringa- Extracted CuO and Ag2O Nanoparticles.

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to synthesize copper oxide (CuO) and silver oxide (Ag2O) nanoparticles using a green synthesis method involving moringa extract and incorporate them into polymer nanocomposites with polyacrolein. The objective was to evaluate their cytotoxicity against fibroblasts and glioblastoma cell lines.

Methods: The CuO and Ag₂O nanoparticles were synthesized using moringa extract as a reducing agent. Nanocomposites were formed through a condensation reaction with polyacrolein. Characterization techniques included Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Cytotoxicity was evaluated through in vitro assays using human dermal fibroblasts (HdFn) and A172 glioblastoma cells.

Results: AFM analysis showed nanoparticle sizes of 19.36 nm for Ag2O and 66.89 nm for CuO, while TEM images revealed nonhomogeneous spherical nanocomposites. FT-IR and XRD confirmed the successful incorporation of nanoparticles into the polymer matrix. TGA and DSC results demonstrated thermal stability and transitions of the nanocomposites. Cytotoxicity assays indicated significant inhibition of A172 glioblastoma cell proliferation with minimal impact on normal fibroblast cells, suggesting selective cytotoxicity.

Conclusions: The polymer nanocomposites incorporating moringa-extracted CuO and Ag2O nanoparticles exhibited promising selective cytotoxicity against glioblastoma cells, indicating their potential use as anticancer agents. Further studies on in vivo applications and long-term stability are warranted to advance their biomedical use.