Eco-friendly Synthesis of WO3 Nanostructures for Near-Infrared Laser Improved Photothermal Therapy of Breast Cancer

Greener fabrication of nanostructures has received remarkable attention due to their sustainability, cost-effectiveness, simplicity, and eco-friendliness. Opuntia ficus-indica-derived mucilage has not been exposed well to fabricate nanostructures. Thus, in this present investigation, we successfully synthesized tungsten trioxide (WO₃) nanostructures using Opuntia ficus-indica-derived mucilage as bio-templates because it is more economical and environmentally friendly. Also, the fabricated WO₃ nanostructures cytotoxic features and their photothermal effects were studied. The WO₃ nanostructures were investigated using diverse analytical instruments: X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope and, transmission electron microscope. Based on the structural and morphological characteristics of the WO₃ nanostructures, they have sphere-like morphologies with diameters of 100 - 200 nm. As revealed by XRD, monoclinic crystalline WO₃ nanostructures were formed. In vitro assays were used to assess the effect of WO₃ nanostructures on cell viability and morphological features of cells. Based on in vitro assays, fabricated WO₃ nanostructures showed slightly toxic behaviour in a human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7 cells). In contrast, after exposure to NIR lasers, the viability of WO₃ nanostructures treated cells decreased significantly. Because the WO₃ nanostructures have an excellent photothermal effect, which triggers cell death in cancer cells. Thus, the fabricated WO₃ nanostructures can be used as a photothermal agent for cancer therapy

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