PEGylated Green Synthesized CeO ₂ Nanoparticles Loaded With Curcumin for Antibacterial and Anticancer Applications

ABSTRACT This work reports curcumin‐loaded PEGylated CeO 2 nanoparticles (Cur@PEGfCeO 2 ) for antibacterial and anticancer applications. The CeO 2 NPs were synthesized via a green synthesis route from Magnolia champaca leaf extract and functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to improve stability and biological performance. The nanomaterials were systematically characterized using UV‐Visible (UV‐Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and EDAX. The study revealed sustained curcumin release over 25 h under different pH conditions, with a maximum release of 82%. Antimicrobial assays exhibited notable inhibition zones against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacterial strains. The anticancer activity was evaluated using MCF‐7 breast cancer cells, demonstrating improved cellular uptake and therapeutic response of Cur@PEGfCeO 2 nanoparticles compared to free curcumin. Mitochondrial membrane potential analysis and apoptosis assays of Cur@PEGfCeO 2 nanoparticles confirmed their ability to induce cell death. These findings suggest that Cur@PEGfCeO 2 has significant potential as a multifunctional platform for antibacterial and anticancer applications.