Anti-skin cancer activity of Alpinia calcarata ZnO nanoparticles: Characterization and potential antimicrobial effects

Abstract

The skin, being the human organ most exposed to the polluted environment, is susceptible to the worst effects of different biological, physical and chemical hazards that give rise to infections and skin cancer, among others. Besides, conventional treatments often have a number of undesirable side effects so nanotechnology is emerging as an ideal alternative. In particular, green synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) ensure proper permeation and sustained release with great physicochemical stability. On the other hand, rhizomes of Alpinia calcarata are endowed with rich medicinal properties which along with nano form of zinc oxide can produce synergistic effects in treatments of skin based ailments. In the current research work, zinc oxide NPs (ZnONPs) were synthesized from the extract of rhizomes of Alpinia calcarata and their biotherapeutic properties were characterized. These ZnONPs were widely characterized using UV–Vis spectrophotometer, SEM, EDAX, PXRD and FTIR to assess their morphology and metallic nature. The presence of ZnONPs was confirmed by UV–Vis spectrophotometry since it exhibits a peak at 350 nm. Morphology of the ZnONPs was irregular and their diameter varies in the range 70–80 nm as examined through SEM. Our results demonstrate that ZnONPs reveal a great biocidal activity against E. coli and C. albicans, among other microorganisms. Treatment with ZnONPs showed a dose-dependent reduction in human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cell viability by MTT assay and distinct morphological changes related with apoptosis by AO/EB staining. According to our results, A. calcarata ZnONPs can serve as a multifaceted agent for various skin based ailments.