Potential of green-synthesized ZnO NPs against human ovarian teratocarcinoma: an in vitro study
Abstract
Background: Ovarian cancer leads to devastating outcomes, and its treatment is highly
challenging. At present, there is a lack of clinical symptoms and well-known sensitivity
biomarkers, and patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Currently, available therapeutics
against ovarian cancer are inefficient, costly, and associated with side effects. The present study
evaluated the anticancer potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) that were biosynthesized
successfully in an ecofriendly mode using pumpkin seed extracts. Methods and Results: The
anticancer potential of the biosynthesized ZnO NPs was assessed using an in vitro human ovarian
teratocarcinoma cell line (PA-1) by well-known assays such as MTT assay, morphological
alterations, activation of apoptosis, measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production,
and inhibition of cell adhesion/migration. The biogenic ZnO NPs exerted a high level of
cytotoxicity against PA-1 cells. Furthermore, the ZnO NPs inhibited cellular adhesion and
migration but induced ROS production and cell death through programmed cell death.
Conclusions: The aforementioned anticancer properties highlight the therapeutic utility of ZnO
NPs in ovarian cancer treatment. However, further research is recommended to envisage their
mechanism of action in different cancer models and validation in a suitable in vivo model.
A major commercial fruit in Pakistan, citrus plays an important role in the economy of the country.
Protein aggregation is implicated in different human diseases. It also makes the protein less desirable candidate for industry as they exhibit reduced biological activity. Proteins tend to…