Green synthesized Graphene Oxide-ZnO/CuO Hybrid Nanocomposites with Potent Activity Against MCF-Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract

The present study reports the green synthesis of graphene oxide from agricultural waste such as pineapple leaves, orange peels and rice bran along with zinc oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Morinda Umbellata leaf extract. The nanocomposites were synthesized via ex-situ synthesis by incorporating graphene oxide with zinc oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles. The structural and morphological characterizations of the synthesized nanomaterials were performed using X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy. The in- vitro anticancer activity against MCF-7, a common human breast cancer cell line, was evaluated using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Comparative analysis with standard anticancer drugs including Doxorubin and 5-fluorouracil further confirmed the efficacy of the nanocomposites. In vitro cytotoxicity studies on L929 fibroblast cells demonstrated excellent biocompatibility of the synthesized nanomaterials. However, a slight reduction in cell viability was observed at higher concentrations (100  mg/ml). Microscopic studies revealed significant mitochondrial damage and subsequent cell death is treated cancer cells while exhibiting comparatively lower toxicity towards normal cells. Among all the tested nanomaterials, the nanocomposites exhibited the lowest LC-50 values indicating their excellent biocompatibility and reduced cytotoxic effects