Green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles using date seed extracts for biomedical applications

This study explores the synthesis, characterization, and bioactivity of iron oxide nanoparticles derived from Ambera, Sukhri, and Khudri date seed extracts collected from Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, India. Synthesis was achieved through the bioreduction of ferric chloride, facilitated by phytochemicals such as phenols, terpenoids, and cardioglycans, which acted as reducing and stabilizing agents. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy indicated slight variations among the date varieties, with absorption peaks at 270 and 390 nm for Ambera, 264 and 385 nm for Sukhri, and 260 and 380 nm for Khudri. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed uniform nanoparticle morphology. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed a composition of carbon (28.96%), oxygen (44%), iron (16.98%), sodium (8.33%), and chloride (1.73%). X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the presence of hematite, magnetite, and maghemite, indicating crystallinity. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy identified hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carbon–nitrogen functional groups, indicating nanoparticle stability. Phytochemical analysis revealed that Ambera contained cardioglycans, terpenoids, and phenols, whereas Sukhri and Khudri lacked cardioglycans. Ambera showed the strongest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus species at 500 µl, while Sukhri and Khudri were less effective. The iron oxide nanoparticles exhibited significant antibacterial activity, particularly against Bacillus subtilis. Anticancer studies showed inhibition of lung (A549) and breast (MDA-MB-231) cancer cell growth, with concentration-dependent cytotoxicity. Antioxidant activity ranged from 34 to 38%, and anti-inflammatory activity between 31 and 38%, increasing with concentration. These bioactivities, attributed to the polyphenolic content of date seeds, highlight the potential of biogenically synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles for applications in antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory therapies in biomedical nanotechnology.