In vitro evaluation of Carica Papaya leaf-derived chitosan-ZnTiO₃-TiO₂ nanocomposites as a dual anticancer and antibacterial agent

초록

U87 glioblastoma is among the most aggressive and clinically incurable brain tumors, with most patients succumbing within 6 months of diagnosis. Emerging nanotechnology-based therapies, particularly those involving nanocomposite matrices, offer promising avenues for combating these malignancies and associated infections. This study investigated the biological effects of chitosan-modified ZnTiO₃-TiO₂ nanocomposites (CZTTNs), which were prepared via a cost-effective green process using Carica papaya leaf extract as a biogenic reducing agent. This eco-friendly approach facilitated the formation of nanostructures without toxic chemicals. As evidenced by FTIR, the papaya leaf extract contains flavonoids, tannins, polyphenols, terpenoids, and alkaloids, which provide multifunctional groups (–OH, –NH, CC) that were crucial for reducing metal ions and stabilizing the nanocomposites. X-ray diffraction revealed a rhombohedral structure and an anatase phase of the CZTTNs. CZTTNs demonstrated higher antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The CZTTNs also exhibited potent anticancer activity against U87 glioblastoma cells, with an IC₅₀ value of ⁓8.8 ± 0.05 μg/mL, highlighting their potential for cancer therapy. Physical malformation rates and ROS generation in zebrafish embryos treated with control, 1 and 3 mg/mL of CZTTNs were evaluated, showing hatching rates of 95%, 91%, and 90%, respectively. The developed CZTTNs exhibit strong antibacterial and anticancer activities, indicating their potential as a long-term solution for global therapeutic challenges. © 2026 Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

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