Biofabrication of Ruthenium Oxide Nanoparticles Using Leaf Extracts of Causonis trifolia (L.) and Evaluation of their Biocompatibility, Antioxidant, and Anti-Skin Cancer Potentials

Green synthesis of ruthenium nanoparticles (RuNPs) is gaining significant attention due to its environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and readily accessible nature. However, few studies have reported on green synthesis and characterization of RuNPs compared to other metal NPs. This study describes how to make RuNPs using water extracts from Causonis trifolia (L.) leaves as a natural reducing agent. The characterization of RuNPs proved that the particles exhibit a prominent characteristic absorption peak at 491 nm and show functional groups corresponding to various bioactive phytochemical constituents, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolics, and terpenoids that are involved in the capping of NPs. The particles had a granular appearance with an irregular surface, ranging in size from 37 to 63 nm and an average size of 48 nm. These particles were confirmed to be tetragonal structures with 73 % elemental Ru and possess a high degree of purity. The MTT assay assessed the cytotoxicity of RuNPs on A-431 skin cancer cell lines and Vero non-cancerous cells. The results indicated that the NPs exhibit significantly high activity against cancer cells and less activity against non-cancer cells. The NPs exhibit the IC50 concentration of 267.10 µg/mL, whereas standard doxorubicin shows 130.34 µg/mL. These NPs effectively reduce DPPH radicals with an IC50 concentration of 115.58±0.232 µg/mL, demonstrating their ability to act as antioxidants. Hence, it can be concluded that the RuNPs synthesized are nontoxic, safe for further exploration in biomedical applications, and showcased as eco-friendly and effective agents in cancer treatment and antioxidant therapy.