Dose-dependent cytotoxicity against lung cancer cells via green synthesized ZnFe₂O₄/cellulose nanocomposites

Cancers are complicated sicknesses that happen because of many different things going wrong in cells, and as they get worse, the cells undergo many changes one after another. Nanomedicine is a new way to treat diseases like cancer. Tiny particles called nanoparticles have special properties that can help to treat diseases better than regular treatments. These particles are very small but have a lot of surface area, can carry different drugs, and can be designed to target specific areas. They can move around the body, go into cells, and release drugs slowly. Because of these benefits, nanoparticles could be better for cancer treatment. In this continuous research, we present a simple technique for the quick and single-step synthesis of ZnFe2O4/cellulose nanocomposites, employing the polymer cellulose. This method is not only cost-effective but also environment friendly. Scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the ultraviolet-visible (UV) spectrum were all used to examine the morphological, structural, and electrical properties of ZnFe2O4/cellulose nanocomposites. The nanocomposite derived from UV-DRS exhibits an optical energy bandgap of 1.8 eV. The mechanical strength of the composites gradually increases as ZnFe2O4 is added to the cellulose polymer matrix. These findings propose a straightforward and innovative approach to produce ZnFe2O4/cellulose nanocomposites that can serve as functional biomaterials. In addition, the ZnFe2O4/cellulose nanocomposite exhibits decreased antioxidant activity compared to ascorbic acid. ZnFe2O4/cellulose nanocomposite was found to have an IC50 of 49.64 g·mL-1. With an IC50 value of 55.91 g·mL-1, the synthesized ZnFe2O4/cellulose nanocomposites demonstrate significant cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner against the lung cancer cell lines A549. In conclusion, nanocomposites are potential materials for usage in biomedical applications due to their affordable production and mild magnetic sensitivity.