Synthesis of zinc nanoparticles using <i>Artemisia scoparia</i> extract and evaluation of their cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects on A549 cell line

Background Zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) have emerged as significant products in nanotechnology, serving as promising candidates for cancer research. Objectives In this study, Artemisia scoparia ( A. scoparia ) extract was utilized to synthesize biogenic ZnNPs and evaluate their inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and K-Ras gene expression in the A549 cell line. Methods Biogenic ZnNPs were synthesized using the leaf extract of A. scoparia . The synthesized ZnNPs were characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The cytotoxic effects of the ZnNPs on the A549 cell line were assessed using the MTT assay after 24 h of treatment. K-Ras gene expression relative to β-actin was analyzed using real-time PCR. Results The particle size of the ZnNPs ranged from 62 to 103 nm. Cytotoxicity results revealed a dose-dependent reduction in the viability of A549 cells after 24 h treatment with A. scoparia extract and ZnNPs synthesized with the extract. The Half Maximal Inhibitory Concentration value (IC 50 ) for the ZnNPs was calculated as 10.26 µg/mL compared to the control group ( p &lt; 0.005). After 24 h of treatment, K-Ras gene expression decreased by 0.6-fold ( p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions The findings indicate that the synthesized ZnNPs exhibit cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects on A549 lung cancer cells.