Biosynthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles from red seaweed Hypnea valentiae and evaluation of their antioxidant and antitumor potential via the AKT/PI3K pathway.

This work specifically examines the eco-friendly production of iron oxide nanoparticles from the red seaweed Hypnea valentiae (Hv-Fe 3 O 4 -NPs), with an emphasis on their potential applications in cancer treatment. The synthesised Hv-Fe 3 O 4 -NPs were characterised and confirmed through various analytical techniques such as UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray Diffraction analysis (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM). Hv-Fe 3 O 4 -NPs exhibit notable DPPH and hydrogen peroxide scavenging abilities, suggesting their potential as antioxidants. Moreover, these nanoparticles exhibit effective anticancer efficacy against human MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer) cells (IC50 = 33.89 µg/mL) compared to lung cancer (A549 cells) (IC50 = 66.79 µg/mL). The Hv-Fe 3 O 4 -NPs effectively generates the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level to induce apoptotic activity in breast cancer cells. The RT-PCR gene expression analysis showed that Hv-Fe 3 O 4 -NPs could downregulate the expression of AKT and PI3K and upregulate the expression of PTEN at 34 µg/mL, showing strong anti-cancer activity. Moreover, the molecular docking examination of compounds from H. valentiae , which targeted the AKT/PI3K pathway proteins in breast carcinoma with aberrant mutations, resulted in advantageous binding scores. This research presents a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach with considerable potential for exhibiting antioxidant and anticancer properties, particularly against breast cancer. [Display omitted] • The red seaweed Hypnea valentiae is utilised to biologically synthesise Fe 3 O 4 -NPs. • The study emphasizes characterization and biological applications of Fe 3 O 4 -NPs. • Fe 3 O 4 -NPs demonstrated potent antioxidant activity by inhibiting free radicals. • The Fe 3 O 4 -NPs showed antitumor activity against human lung and breast cancer cells. • AKT/PI3K pathway regulates cell signalling, impacting cancer cell growth and survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]