Green Synthesis of Chitosan-coated Tin Dioxide Nanoparticles Using <i>Moringa oleifera</i> Flower Extract Against Breast Cancer via the Caspase-dependent Apoptotic Pathway

Background and Purpose In the present work, chitosan is furnished with tin dioxide (CsSnO 2 ) nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized using the green route using Moringa oleifera ( M. oleifera) flower extract. Materials and Methods These preparation methods are low-cost, easily reproducible, nontoxic, and eco-friendly. X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and photoluminescence (PL) analysis were used to learn more about the CsSnO 2 NPs. The antibacterial property of CsSnO 2 NPs was assessed by the disc diffusion method against various pathogens. The MTT assay was done to assess the cytotoxicity of CsSnO 2 NPs in MCF-7 cells. The expressions of the apoptotic proteins were examined using assay kits. Results XRD results demonstrated that the formulated CsSnO 2 NPs exhibit a tetragonal structure. From the FT-IR spectra, the Sn–O stretching peak was observed at 579 cm –1 . A FESEM image shows that the CsSnO 2 NPs were formed into a spherical structure. Surface defects, such as tin and oxygen vacancies, are visible in the PL spectra, and the average particle size of CsSnO 2 NPs is 32 nm. Thus, surface defects are essential parameters for biocidal properties. The antimicrobial property of CsSnO 2 NPs and amoxicillin was investigated against bacteria and human fungal pathogens. CsSnO 2 NPs exhibit similar antimicrobial properties as compared to amoxicillin. Also, the dosage of CsSnO 2 NPs elevated their antimicrobial activity. The anticancer property of the green-synthesized CsSnO 2 NPs against MCF-7 cells was further analyzed to study their ability to cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction, like caspase-3, -8, and -9 activation. Conclusion The study’s outcome revealed that the green synthesized CsSnO 2 NPs are an outstanding candidate for cancer therapy.