Green synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles from Archachatina marginata shells and their antioxidant and antiproliferative effects

Archachatina marginata is commonly known as the giant West African snail is consumed as seafood in some regions of the world and has gained scientific interest due to its unique physiological features and possible biomedical importance. In this study, the shell material of A. marginata was used as a source for the preparation of chitosan nanoparticles The obtained nanoparticles were characterized using UV visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to study their optical, structural, morphological, and chemical properties. The UV–visible spectrum of chitosan nanoparticles synthesized from Archachatina marginata shells showed an absorption peak at 250 nm and FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of different functional groups. XRD results confirmed a crystalline nature and SEM analysis showed rod-shaped and spherical morphology. The synthesized A. marginata shell chitosan nanoparticles showed good prooxidant radical scavenging property and significant cytotoxic effects against lung cancer cells. The nanoparticle can be taken towards future bio medical applications. Novelty of the study • This study demonstrates a sustainable valorization strategy for waste shells of Archachatina marginata through the synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles with potential biomedical relevance. • Unlike previous reports that mainly focused on chitosan extraction or general biological applications, the present work provides a combined investigation of the optical, structural, morphological, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties of A. marginata shell-derived chitosan nanoparticles using UV–Vis, FTIR, SEM, and XRD analyses. • The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited notable prooxidant radical scavenging activity and significant cytotoxic effects against lung cancer cells, highlighting their potential as eco-friendly biomaterials for future antioxidant and anticancer applications.