A Study on Evaluation of Anticancer Activity (Liver Cancer) of TiO? Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Gigantea Leaf Extract

Abstract

Aim and Objectives: This study looks at how titanium dioxide (TiO?) nanoparticles, made using the leaves of a plant called Gigantea, can fight liver cancer using (HepG2) Cells. Materials and Methods: The nanoparticles were created using a green, eco-friendly method with the plant\\\'s leaf extract. We checked the shape, size, and nature of the nanoparticles using lab tools. The results showed that the TiO? nanoparticles made with Gigantea leaf extract were very effective against liver cancer cells. We reduced the growth of these cancer cells without harming normal cells. This means it can stop the cancer cells from multiplying. The characterization recorded from scanning electron microscope, SEM and XRD. It also supports environmental protection. The study shows a strong link between natural plant extracts and modern cancer treatments. This could be a new way to treat liver cancer in the future. Result: The result recorded from MTT assay, ROS Production and DNA Fragmentation. Keywords: Gigantea, TiO? nanoparticles,MTT,ROS,DNA.

Introduction

Background

Liver cancer is a leading global cause of death, with current treatments like chemotherapy being costly and having severe side effects. Researchers are turning to nanotechnology and medicinal plants for safer alternatives. This study investigates the synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO?) nanoparticles (NPs) using Colocasia gigantea (giant taro) leaf extract and their anticancer potential against HepG2 liver cancer cells.

Key Elements of the Study

1. Plant Used

• Scientific Name: Colocasia gigantea (Giant Elephant Ear)

• Family: Araceae

• Known for traditional medicinal uses.

2. Synthesis Process

• Leaf extract preparation: Dried, powdered leaves were boiled in distilled water to extract active compounds.

• Green synthesis: 10 mL of leaf extract mixed with 90 mL of TiO? solution in the dark for 24 hours.

• Color change (white to light yellow) indicated nanoparticle formation.

3. Nanoparticle Characterization

• SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy): Revealed spherical or irregularly shaped nanoparticles, 20–80 nm in size.

• XRD (X-ray Diffraction): Confirmed crystalline anatase phase of TiO?, known for biological activity; particle size ranged from 30–60 nm.

4. Biological Assays

A. MTT Assay (Cell Viability)

• Principle: Living cells reduce MTT to purple formazan; lower absorbance = higher cytotoxicity.

• Results: TiO? nanoparticles (CG-TINPs) reduced viability of HepG2 liver cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, indicating cytotoxic and anticancer effects.

B. ROS Assay (Oxidative Stress)

• Principle: TiO? NPs generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer cells.

• Findings: Treated cells showed increased green fluorescence (DCF signal), indicating elevated ROS levels that can trigger apoptosis.

C. DNA Fragmentation Assay

• Principle: Apoptosis leads to DNA fragmentation, visible as bright, condensed nuclei under Hoechst staining.

• Results: Treated cells exhibited fragmented and condensed nuclei, confirming apoptosis induction by CG-TINPs.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that TiO? nanoparticles synthesized using Gigantea leaf extract exhibit significant anticancer activity on HepG2 cellular lines. These findings suggest potential therapeutic[15] applications of the biosynthesized TiO? nanoparticles in liver cancer treatment.Its control the cancer cell growth[16].

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 G. Manimaran, M. Arun, J. Magesh Kumar, D. Vijayakumar. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.