Green synthesis and characterization of ruthenium oxide nanoparticles using Gunnera perpensa for potential anticancer activity against MCF7 cancer cells

Abstract

The use of green methods for ruthenium oxide nanoparticles synthesis is gaining attention due to their eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and availability. However, reports on the green synthesis and characterization of ruthenium oxide nanoparticles are limited compared to other metal nanoparticles. The green synthesis and characterization of ruthenium oxide nanoparticles using water extracts of Gunnera perpensa leaves as a reducing agent is reported in this study. The ruthenium oxide nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV–VIS). MTT assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of the ruthenium oxide nanoparticles against MCF7 and Vero cell lines. X-ray diffraction analysis results revealed the presence of crystalline and amorphous forms of ruthenium oxide nanoparticles, while IR spectroscopy revealed the presence of functional groups associated with G. perpensa leaves. SEM showed that the ruthenium oxide nanoparticles consisted predominantly of hexagonal and cuboid-like structures with a considerable degree of agglomeration being observed. The cell culture results indicated a low anticancer efficacy of ruthenium oxide nanoparticles against MCF7 and Vero cell lines, suggesting that ruthenium oxide nanoparticles may not be a good lead for anti-cancer drugs. This study highlights the potential of using green synthesis methods to produce ruthenium oxide nanoparticles and their characterization, as well as their cytotoxicity against cancer cells.