Berberine-enriched copper oxide nano formulation synthesized using Solanum torvum: A strategic advancement in lung cancer therapy and wound healing

This study aimed to synthesize a Berberine conjugated with Copper Oxide Nano Formulation (BBR-CuONPs) by using Solanum torvum for lung cancer therapy. The BBR-CuONPs were evaluated for their anticancer activity by assessing cell movement and proliferation in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines (A549). Berberine chloride and copper sulfate were utilized to prepare the BBR-CuONPs, while S. torvum extract acted as a reducing agent for green synthesis. The characterization of the BBR-CuONPs was carried out using UV-visible spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The UV-visible spectra confirmed the synthesis of BBR-CuONPs, showing characteristic absorption peaks. FTIR analysis revealed functional groups indicative of interactions between CuONPs and berberine, suggesting their potential synergistic effects. TEM images showed the nanoparticles had an average size ranging from 10 to 50 nm. The anti-cancer activity (MTT assay) demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of cell viability, with a calculated IC50 value of 32.35 ± 2 μg, indicating that it has an effective cytotoxic activity with controlled and sustained drug release for a longer time than compared with berberine and copper oxide nanoparticles alone. The BBR-CuONPs, in normal human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells, were observed that higher cell viability at 10 μg/ml (98%) and less cytotoxicity effect at 100 μg/ml (2%) inhibition even in higher concentration. The wound healing assay confirmed the suppression of A549 cell migration, with 10 μg/ml (24–48 hours) at lower concentrations of the nano formulation showing stronger inhibition. This study suggests that the BBR- CuONPs derived from S. torvum exhibit promising anticancer and wound-healing properties, supporting further in vivo investigation into their therapeutic potential.