Evaluation of
Anticancer Activity of Lactobacillus-Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles against
MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells
Anjana M.I., Abiyoga M., Rajalakshmy K. and Saravana Kumari P.
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(12); 199-211;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/2012rjbt19902118; (2025)
Abstract
This study explores the anticancer potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs)
synthesized using the cell-free supernatant of Lactobacillus sp. The biosynthesis
process utilized the Lactobacillus sp., culture supernatant as a biological reducing
and capping agent, yielding stable ZnONPs. The synthesized ZnONPs were characterized
comprehensively through UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, Zeta potential
and DLS analyses. UV-Vis spectra revealed a significant absorption peak at approximately
365 nm. Electron microscopy and XRD validated the spherical/cubic crystalline structure
of ZnONPs, averaging 25-40 nm in size. Strong signals in EDAX spectrum confirmed
ZnONPs formation. Zeta potential and DLS analysis showed biosynthesised ZnONPs stability
and particle size.
Morover, the anticancer activity was assessed against the human breast cancer cell
line (MCF-7). Cell viability assays revealed a dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic
effect of the ZnONPs. Morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis, cell shrinkage
and nuclear fragmentation, were confirmed using acridine orange/ethidium bromide
(AO/EB) staining. Flow cytometry demonstrated cell cycle arrest and apoptotic induction
by the nanoparticles. ZnONPs also reduced the migratory potential of the MCF-7 cells
in vitro. These findings highlight the eco-friendly synthesis of ZnONPs using Lactobacillus
sp. and their promising application in cancer nanomedicine as a novel, safe and
effective therapeutic approach for breast cancer treatment.
