Green synthesis and characterization of Ruthenium oxide nanoparticles using Gunnera perpensa for potential anticancer activity against MCF7 cancer cells

Abstract

Abstract The use of green synthesis methods for RuONPs is gaining attention due to their eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and availability. However, reports on the green synthesis and characterization of RuONPs are limited compared to other metal nanoparticles. The green synthesis and characterization of ruthenium oxide nanoparticles (RuONPs) using Gunnera perpensa leaves water extract as a reducing agent is reported in this study. The RuONPs were characterized using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV-VIS). MTT assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of the RuONPs against MCF7 and Vero cell lines. The characterization results revealed the presence of crystalline and amorphous forms of RuONPs, functional groups associated with G. perpensa leaves, and both spherical and rod-like structures. The cell culture results indicated a low anticancer efficacy of RuONPs against MCF7 and Vero cell lines, suggesting that RuONPs may not be a good lead for anti-cancer drugs. This study highlights the potential of using green synthesis methods to produce RuONPs and their characterization, as well as their cytotoxicity against cancer cells.