Biogenic Synthesis Of Cadmium Oxide Nanoparticles: Unlocking New Horizons In Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Cadmium oxide nanoparticles (CdO NPs) were manufactured in an environmentally friendly green method using Hibiscus sabdariffa L. seed extract as a bioreducing and capping agent, and cadmium chloride as the metal precursor.  The synthesis process included aqueous extraction, controlled mixing, and alkaline correction, which resulted in a noticeable color change indicating nanoparticle creation.  X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed a polycrystalline structure consisting of cubic CdO and cadmium phases, crystallite sizes ranging from 14.0 to 156.7 nm, and minimal lattice strain, indicating strong crystallinity.  Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) revealed phytochemical-derived functional groups such as O-H, C≡C/C≡N, C=C/N-H, CH₃, and Cd-O, showing successful surface stabilization.  Morphological investigation using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed nanogranular surfaces with moderate roughness and controlled aggregation.Anticancer efficacy against CL-40 colon carcinoma cells, measured by MTT test, revealed outstanding dose-dependent cytotoxicity, lowering cell viability to ~7% at 6.25 µg/mL, with an IC₅₀ of 0.7737 µg.  The findings suggest that H. sabdariffa-mediated CdO NPs have intriguing structural properties and significant anticancer effectiveness, making them a viable choice for long-term nanomedicine applications.