Enhancing the efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles by beta-carotene conjugation for improved anti-microbial and anti-tumor therapy for dental application

Zinc oxide NPs (ZnO NPs) are notable in nanomedicine for their exceptional physicochemical and biological properties. This study synthesizes and characterizes beta-carotene-coated ZnO NPs (BT-ZnO NPs) for potential anti-cancer and antimicrobial applications, demonstrating significant efficacy against dental pathogens and oral cancer cells. Scanning Electron Microscopy, EDAX, UV, FTIR, XRD, and Zeta potential analysis of prepared BT-ZnO NPs revealed uniform flower-like crystalline structures with intricate morphology and an average particle size of 38.06 nm. FTIR spectra identified various functional groups, suggesting a complex organic compound coated with ZnO NPs. Zeta potential measurements showed pH-dependent surface charge variations, which are crucial for understanding colloidal stability. The antimicrobial activity was potent against dental pathogens, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 50 µg/mL highlighting significant inhibition. Molecular docking studies demonstrated strong binding affinities of BT to key receptor proteins of dental pathogens. BT-ZnO NPs exhibited notable antioxidant activity of 68%, comparable to ascorbic acid, and significant anti-inflammatory effects of 75.1% at 100 µg/mL. Cytotoxicity assays indicated a concentration-dependent suppression of KB cell proliferation, decreasing cell viability to 37.19%, and gene expression studies showed elevated P53 expression, suggesting a strong apoptotic response. These multifaceted properties underscore the potential of BT-ZnO NPs as an integrated therapeutic approach for dental healthcare and oncology.