Ali, Salim, et al. ACS omega, 2022, 7(5), 4457-4470.
Researchers produced CeZrO4 nanoparticles through an environmentally-friendly process which utilized β-cyclodextrin as a stabilizer and neem leaf extract as a reducing agent to achieve both peroxidase (POD) and oxidase (OD) activities. The highest catalytic activity appeared at pH 4 showing effective reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in acidic conditions like those in tumor microenvironments which also demonstrated by the Fenton-like qualities of the CeZrO4 nanoparticles. The synthesized nanomaterial exhibited significant anticancer properties while causing minimal side effects according to in vitro MTT assay results.
Preparation of CeZrO4 Nanocomposites
The CeZrO4 nanocomposites underwent preparation through an eco-friendly method and utilized β-cyclodextrin to stabilize the structure. The solution preparation started by dissolving 0.3 M ammonium ceric nitrate and 0.1 M zirconium oxychloride in 200 mL of deionized water. The solution turned pink after 20 mL of 0.01 M β-cyclodextrin was added following complete dissolution. A freshly prepared 10 mL neem leaf extract was added into the solution which underwent stirring for 1 hour to promote the reaction. Following the reaction period the solution developed a brownish-yellow appearance that demonstrated the formation of nanoparticles. The sample underwent drying with a heating mantle before being calcined at 700 °C for future use.
