Biosynthesis of Fe1.83Mn0.5Zn0.41O4 nanoparticles from milk thistle seed extract for use as anticancer agents

Abstract

This study employed a novel, simple, and cost-effective biosynthesis approach that combined co-precipitation, ultrasonic treatment, and green chemistry techniques to synthesize Fe₁.₈₃Mn₀.₅Zn₀.₄₁O₄ nanoparticles using milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seed extract. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Zeta Potential analysis, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). XRD analysis revealed an average crystallite size of 18.66 nm, whereas SEM analysis indicated an average particle size of 114.38 nm, suggesting particle aggregation. The anticancer activity of the synthesized Fe₁.₈₃Mn₀.₅Zn₀.₄₁O₄ nanoparticles was evaluated against human leukemia HL-60 cell lines. The results demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity at higher nanoparticle concentrations, with a pronounced reduction in cell viability observed at concentrations of 500 and 1000 μg/mL. The percentages of viable cells at nanoparticle concentrations of 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 μg/mL were 85.98%, 83.56%, 84.54%, 98.41%, 97.87%, 29.04%, and 15.81%, respectively. The calculated IC₅₀ value was 470.8 μg/mL. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA revealed highly significant differences among the treatment groups (P < 0.0001). The coefficient of determination (R² = 0.9856) indicated excellent model fitting and confirmed the strong relationship between nanoparticle concentration and biological response. The biocompatibility of the synthesized nanoparticles was further evaluated using a hemolysis assay with red blood cells at concentrations of 64, 128, and 256 μg/mL. The results showed no significant hemolytic activity or cytotoxic effects on erythrocytes, indicating that the synthesized nanoparticles were hemocompatible and safe within the tested concentration range.