Green Synthesis and Cytotoxicity of CdO/Biochar Nanocomposite Against MCF-7 Cells

Abstract

The growing trend in breast cancers worldwide proves the significance of the development of tough nanoparticle materials with high therapeutic potential. We demonstrate a straightforward green precipitation technique for synthesizing cadmium oxide nanoparticles utilizing cadmium nitrate as a precursor and olive leaf extract as an environmentally benign capping and stabilizing agent. Additionally, biochar obtained from household waste was utilized as a porous carbon scaffold to create a cadmium oxide/biochar binary nanocomposite, enhancing structural stability and preventing agglomeration. Characterization of Prepared Materials via X-ray diffraction, Field emission scanning microscopy, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity (D) of pure cadmium oxide nanoparticles and (B) the cadmium oxide/biochar nanocomposite against the human breast cancer cell line (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7) as determined by MTT assay. The cadmium oxide/biochar nanocomposite (B) had the best anticancer effect, with the lowest IC₅₀ value (5.86 μg/mL), compared to pure cadmium oxide nanoparticles (D). The performance is improved because the biochar support, in combination with nanoparticles, enhances cellular uptake, leading to cancer cell death via Reactive oxygen species under near-infrared light. These findings collectively indicate that the cadmium oxide/biochar nanocomposite holds significant potential as a cost-effective and effective treatment platform for breast cancer.