Do Pyrolusite‐Based Nanoparticles Have Biomedical Effects? A Case Study on the Scolicidal and Apoptotic Activities of Naturally Derived Phytosynthesized Cu ₂ O/Pyrolusite/Chitosan Nanocomposites

Abstract In this study, a copper oxide/pyrolusite nanocomposite (Cu 2 O/Prs NC) was synthesized using the aqueous extract of Mentha pulegium and natural minerals, offering biocompatibility, low cost, high colloidal stability, and antiparasitic properties. To enhance its physical characteristics, the nanocomposite was further modified with chitosan (Cu 2 O/Prs/Chit NC). Advanced techniques such as XRD, FTIR, FE‐SEM, EDS, DLS, and zeta potential analysis were employed for characterization. XRD revealed cubic and tetragonal crystalline structures for the Cu 2 O and MnO 2 phases, respectively, with colloid sizes of 204 nm for Cu 2 O/Prs NC and 578 nm for Cu 2 O/Prs/Chit NC, both showing stable zeta potential. FTIR confirmed functional groups associated with the polyphenols of M. pulegium . Scolicidal activity was assessed at concentrations of 200, 400, 800, and 1600 µg/mL over 10, 30, and 60 min intervals by evaluating caspase‐3 gene expression via real time PCR. These findings demonstrated a dose‐ and time‐dependent inhibitory effect; however, the overall efficacy was modest and did not reach the levels reported for other conventional agents. Although Cu 2 O/Prs/Chit NC showed significant gene expression reduction at 400 µg/mL ( p = 0.0119), the observed scolicidal activity was limited. These preliminary results suggest potential for further optimization but require additional investigation, including cytotoxicity analysis, before claiming clinical relevance.