Anticancer and Bactericidal Activity of Manganese Ferrite Nanoparticles Synthesised by Using Allicin Extract.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to synthesize manganese ferrite (MnFe₂O₄) nanoparticles (MnF NPs) using allicin extracted from Allium sativum and to assess their bactericidal and anticancer activities.

Methods: Allicin from A. sativum was extracted using ethanol and confirmed by UV-visible spectrophotometer (λ max 240 nm). AMnF nanoparticles (Allicin-MnF NPs) synthesized via a co-precipitation route using allicin extract as reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesized AMnF NPs were characterized using various instrumental techniques such as UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, FTIR, and SEM. Bactericidal activity was assessed by Agar well diffusion and MBC/MIC determination methods. Anticancer activity was examined against IMR-32 neuroblastoma cells and normal Vero cells using the MTT assay.

Results: The synthesized AMnF NPs showed a distinct band in UV-vis absorption at 290 nm and FTIR bands characteristic of spinel ferrite metal-oxygen vibrations (555 cm⁻¹), along with organic functional groups from allicin. SEM analysis revealed agglomerated, near-spherical particles of 20-50 nm. The allicin extract exhibited notable bactericidal activity against Enterobacter sp and Staphylococcus aureus (MBC/MIC≤1.5), while showing bacteriostatic effects against Clostridium sp., Escherichia. coli, and Salmonella sp. The bactericidal behavior of the AMnF NPs depended on their concentration, with the highest action demonstrated against S. aureus and B. subtilis strains (100 µg/mL). Cytotoxic effects of NPs were dependent on concentration with an inhibitory concentration at 54.6 µg/mL, similar to doxorubicin at IC₅₀ 46.33 µg/mL. Toxic effects on normal cells, such as Vero, were noted to be minimal at IC₅₀ of >90 µg/mL.

Conclusion: The nanoparticles synthesized with the help of allicin display efficient antibacterial and antitumor effects while being non-toxic to healthy cells.