Synthesis of ultrasonic assisted co-precipitated Ag/ZnO nanorods and their profound anti-liver cancer and antibacterial properties

Abstract

The current cancer Survey reports liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related death worldwide. Active liver cancer research is underway as several new therapies are emerging to treat it, with more showing promise. Our present study aims at preparation of silver/zinc oxide nanocomposites for potential applications in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, against human liver cancer cells (hepG2). Silver ions added Zinc oxide (Ag/ZnO) have been synthesized by ultrasonic assisted co-precipitation method. It is found that 3% of silver ions added ZnO were precipitated as nanoplates. And interestingly the observation shows when the concentration of the silver ions increased to 5%, it reduced as nanorods. X-Ray diffraction, SAED patterns and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrum confirms that silver ions are well attached in ZnO lattice. Ag/ZnO possesses good absorption in the UV region. The reduction in average particle size due to the increase of silver ion concentration in ZnO lattice was confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS).SEM and TEM studies witnessed the micro structural transformation from nanoplates (3% Ag) to the rod-like structure on (5% Ag).Ag/ZnO displayed strong antibacterial activity against different pathogens. The obtained results are comparable with standard antibiotics against pathogenic bacteria. Anti-inflammatory study reveals that Ag/ZnO prevents inflammation. Dose dependent response of Ag/ZnO against human liver cancer cells (HepG2) indicates its greater efficacy in killing cancer cells. The selective silver ion concentration (5%) in ZnO have reduced its cross-sectional area with respect to volume. This property helps the silver ion/ZnO nanorods to penetrate efficiently into the affected cells and fight against bacteria, suppress cell inflammation, eradicate the growth of liver cancer cells; which shows feasibility of this composites in further research for therapeutic applications.