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In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) are synthesized and combined with chitosan (Cs) to create Cs/ZnO‐NPs nanomicelles, aiming to investigate their potential as a novel cancer treatment. The ZnO‐NPs are produced through a sintering process at temperatures ranging from 300 to 700 °C. The most effective nanoparticles are obtained at 600 °C, as determined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses, which confirmed their crystallinity and purity. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are employed to characterize the size and shape of the nanoparticles, revealing predominantly spherical and hexagonal structures with stable dimensions. The cytotoxic effects of the Cs/ZnO‐NPs are evaluated against various cancer cell types. The results show that at a concentration of 125 µg mL−1, the Cs/ZnO‐NPs demonstrate significantly higher cancer cell toxicity compared to ZnO‐NPs alone, while remaining non‐toxic to normal cells. This indicates that Cs/ZnO‐NPs have a superior ability to selectively target cancer cells. These findings suggest that Cs/ZnO‐NPs nanomicelles hold promise as an effective and safe nanotherapeutic approach in the realm of cancer treatment, meriting further exploration for clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to synthesize dual‐crosslinked chitosan‐alginate nanocomposites (Cs‐Alg/IO NCs) using green‐synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (IO, Fe3O4 NPs) for drug delivery application. The NCs, formed via ionotropic gelation with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) as crosslinking agents for Cs and Alg, respectively, and further characterized for physiochemical properties. The presence of Fe3O4 NPs and 5‐Fluorouracil (5FU) increased hydrodynamic size (153.12 ± 0.57 to 207.64 ± 3.59 nm). Morphological studies revealed NC agglomeration within nanoscales. 5FU‐loaded Cs‐Alg/IO NCs (Cs‐Alg/IO 5FU NCs) exhibited superparamagnetic behavior and sustained drug release under various pH conditions. Cytotoxicity assays on colon cancer cells (HCT116 and HT‐29) and normal colon cells (CCD‐112) indicated higher cancer cell selectivity (selectivity index, SI = 1.91) in 2D models. Elevated IC50 values in 3D models were linked to lower drug loading capacity (LC) and encapsulation efficiency (EE). Overall, the study highlights the potential of dual‐crosslinked biopolymer NCs with green‐synthesized Fe3O4 NPs for developing an anticancer drug delivery system in colorectal cancer treatment. Highlights: Synthesis of 5FU‐loaded dual crosslinked Cs‐Alg/IO NCs and Cs‐Alg IPN.Physicochemical characterization of cross‐linked magnetic nanocarriers.Investigation of sustained drug release using superparamagnetic nanocarriers.Evaluation of selective cytotoxicity for Cs‐Alg/IO 5FU NCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper nanoparticles (Cu‐NPs) have garnered substantial interest in the field of nanotechnology due to their exceptional physical and chemical properties and cost‐effectiveness. However, challenges such as particle aggregation and rapid copper oxidation affect nanoscale production. This study systematically investigates the synthesis of colloidal Cu‐NPs using chitosan (Cts) as a stabilizer and reducing agent in the arc discharge system, comparing it to distilled water as a medium. Confirmation of the purity, size, and morphology of the Cu‐NPs is achieved through various physicochemical characterization methods. X‐ray diffraction patterns confirm the synthesis of highly pure face‐centered cubic (fcc) crystal Cu‐NPs. UV–vis analysis reveals absorption peaks at 572–585 nm, indicating pure copper. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy shows peaks at 638 and 597 cm−1, corresponding to Cu─Cts bonds. Transmission electron microscopy images depict spherical nanoparticles ranging from 15 to 45 nm, with smaller sizes at higher Cts concentrations. The catalytic activity of Cu‐NPs in the degradation of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol is assessed, with Cu‐NPs synthesized in distilled water demonstrating superior catalytic properties compared to 0.10 wt.% Cts. This study highlights the efficacy of the arc discharge method in producing pure, uniformly sized Cu‐NPs with potential applications in catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a green synthesis approach for the fabrication of zinc oxide-silver nanoparticles (ZnO-Ag-NPs) using Punica granatum fruit peels extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. This eco-friendly method offers a sustainable alternative to conventional methods that often employ toxic or hazardous chemicals. Antibacterial and anti-cancer activities of the green synthesized nanoparticles were then assessed in vitro. X-ray diffraction confirmed the production of ZnO-Ag-NPs with increasing crystallinity in higher pH values. The ZnO-Ag-NPs were found to be agglomerated with spherical AgNPs. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra revealed a broad band in ZnOAg-NPs ranging from 400-1 to 530 cm-1 with reduced intensity as compared to ZnO-NPs, indicating the formation of Ag-NPs on the surface of ZnO-NPs. The synthesized ZnO-Ag-NPs exhibited potent antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of bacterial strains, particularly Gram-positive bacteria, with superior inhibition activity compared to ZnO-NPs. Moreover, ZnO-Ag-NPs showed a dosedependent anti-proliferative effect on colorectal-, lung-, and cervical cancer cells. ZnO-Ag-NPs showed significantly greater efficacy in inhibiting cancer cell growth at a lower concentration of 31.25 μg/mL, compared to ZnO-NPs which required over 500 μg/mL, possibly due to the presence of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs). The results obtained from this study demonstrate the potential of green synthesis approaches in the fabrication of therapeutic nanomaterials for cancer treatment, as well as other biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]