Abstract
Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represents the most widespread type of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the head and neck region, comprising 90% of all cases of oral cancer. Treatments based on immunological methods, cell therapy, gene therapy, and nanotechnology-based methods have been performed in addition to conventional treatment methods. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the anticancer effects of polyvinyl alcohol/MgO nanocomposite on human oral cancer cells. Methods: In this study, the structure and size of nanoparticles and nanocomposite were identified using scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis after synthesizing PVA/MgO nanocomposite. The anticancer activity of the synthesized nanocomposite was investigated against oral cancer cells of KB type. Results: SEM analysis confirmed the proper synthesis of PVA/MgO nanocomposite. MTT test showed that the nanocomposite synthesized in the concentration range of 25-200μl has maximum anticancer properties against KB cancer cells. In addition, PVA/MgO nanocomposite influenced the apoptosis pathway of KB cancer cells by increasing ROS, decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential, and increasing the activities of caspases 3 and 7. Conclusions: Based on the results, the PVA/MgO nanocomposite showed considerable potential as a viable contender for novel anticancer interventions.