Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Characterization Using Curcuma longa (Turmeric Rhizome)

Abstract

Cerium oxide and turmeric are widely used in the medical field because of their distinctive properties. Turmeric, predominantly used in Asian cuisines, is also an anti-inflammatory element in ayurvedic medicines. The lower bioavailability of turmeric rhizomes has restricted their medical applications to a specific limit, both in vitro and in vivo. Previous investigations have reported that the conjugation of curcumin and cerium oxide nanoparticles improves turmeric’s stability, making them efficient in treating chronic diseases such as cancer. The main objective of this study is to carry out the synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles using turmeric rhizomes. Various methods were used to characterize the cerium oxide nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy were used to determine the morphological properties of the cerium oxide nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to determine the structural properties of those nanoparticles. The BEAS-2B cells were cultured in a controlled environment, and the biocompatibility studies were conducted using an MTT assay to assess their cytotoxicity. Based on toxicity studies of cerium oxide nanoparticles, future research will be performed on their biomedical applications.