Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities of Ricinus Communis Biochar and its Composites with ZnO and CuO Nanoparticles for Chromium Contaminated Water

The existence of toxic heavy metals and harmful microorganisms in water supplies presents significant dangers to both the environment and public health. In this research, biochar produced from the Ricinus communis was created and modified with zinc oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles to improve its ability to fight against microorganisms and cancer, particularly in chromium-polluted water scenarios. The composite substances were formulated and tested using the agar well diffusion technique to assess their effectiveness in inhibiting the growth bacterial culture E. coli, Aureus and fungal species A. Fumigatus, A. Flavus and A. Niger. The findings demonstrated considerable inhibition zones, with the biochar augmented with ZnO and CuO nanoparticles displaying the most substantial antimicrobial effectiveness, which is ascribed to the combined action of metal oxides and biochar in producing reactive oxygen species and damaging microbial membranes. Beyond the assessment of antimicrobial properties, the anticancer capabilities of the nanocomposites were examined via in vitro cytotoxicity tests against specified cancer cell lines. The composite showed effects on cell viability that were dependent on the dose, indicating its potential as a multifunctional material for biomedical and environmental uses. This research concludes that the biochar derived from Ricinus communis, enhanced with ZnO and CuO nanoparticles, provides a promising and sustainable method for reducing both biological and chemical pollutants in contaminated water environments, while also showing significant anticancer potential.