Biosynthesis, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Using Vigna unguiculata Seeds

Abstract

Background: Physical and chemical methods of synthesizing metal nanoparticles have been on the focus for the last decade as it has been broadly exploited by researchers. Biological synthesis of metal nanoparticles was found to be easy and economical. The wide applications of titanium dioxide in various fields have drawn attention for biosynthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Cowpea seeds are easily available and rich in protein as well as high in antioxidant which enhances the good characteristics of the nanoparticles synthesized using it. Methods: In the present investigation the nanoparticles are synthesized using Vigna unguiculata (cowpea) seeds extract. 0.1 mM titanium dioxide was mixed with cowpea seeds extract for the preparation of the nanoparticles. The characterization of nanoparticles was done by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Antibacterial activity of the titanium dioxide nanoparticles was checked against clinical pathogens followed by antioxidant study and cytotoxicity assay by 2, 2- diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) assay and [3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide] (MTT) assay respectively. Results: The oval shaped biologically synthesized nanoparticles were effective against most of the clinical pathogens. The observance of peak at 418 cm-1 confirms the synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The titanium nanoparticles were highly antioxidant in nature and cytotoxic on MG63 osteosarcoma cell lines. Conclusion: The biological method of preparation of nanoparticles proved to be easy and cost effective. The nanoparticles synthesized can be further used in research for anticancer treatments