In vitro anti-cancer and antimicrobial effects of manganese oxide nanoparticles synthesized using the Glycyrrhiza uralensis leaf extract on breast cancer cell lines

Abstract In this study, we evaluated the antiproliferative and apoptotic properties of Pluronic-F127-containing manganese oxide nanoparticles (PF-127-coated Mn 2 O 3 NPs) derived from the leaf extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (GU) on breast adenocarcinoma, MCF7, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. The leaf extract of GU contains bioactive molecules that act as a reducing or capping agent to form Mn 2 O 3 NPs. Various analytical techniques were used to characterize the physiochemical properties of PF-127-coated Mn 2 O 3 NPs, including spectroscopy (ultralight-Vis, Fourier transform infrared, photoluminescence), electron microscopy (field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron diffracted X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), and dynamic light scattering. The average crystallite size of Mn 2 O 3 NPs was estimated to be 80 nm, and the NPs had a cubic crystalline structure. PF127-encapsulated Mn 2 O 3 NPs significantly reduce MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell proliferation, while increasing endogenous ROS and lowering mitochondrial matrix protein levels. DAPI, EtBr/AO dual staining, and Annexin-V-FITC-based flow cytometry analysis revealed that PF127-coated Mn 2 O 3 NP-treated breast cancer cells exhibit nuclear damage and apoptotic cell death, resulting in cell cycle arrest in the S phase. Furthermore, PF127-encapsulated Mn 2 O 3 NPs show strong antimicrobial efficacy against various strains. As a result, we can conclude that PF127-coated Mn 2 O 3 NPs may be effective as future anticancer agents and treatment options for breast cancer.