Evaluation of Anticancer Potential in Human Colorectal Carcinoma HCT-116 Cells by Fungal-Mediated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Introduction: Chemotherapy faces limitations such as toxicity and resistance, necessitating novel cancer treatments. Green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have attracted attention for their safety, biocompatibility, and therapeutic potential. This study investigates the anticancer efficacy of ZnO-NPs synthesized using the extracellular matrix of Aspergillus biplanus against colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT-116). Methods: ZnO-NPs were synthesized extracellularly using A. biplanus fungal extract. The nanoparticles were characterized through UV-Vis spectrophotometry, showing an absorbance peak at 375 nm, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which determined their morphology and size. The anticancer activity was evaluated in vitro using HCT-116 cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were assessed to understand the mechanism of cytotoxicity. In vivo studies were proposed for further validation. Results: The synthesized ZnO-NPs appeared pale white and exhibited a characteristic absorbance at 375 nm. SEM revealed spherical particles ranging from 35–150 nm. The ZnO-NPs showed strong anticancer activity with an IC₅₀ value of 40.6 µg/mL. ROS levels increased significantly in treated cells, while the MMP decreased to 77.25% compared to 100% in controls. Discussion: ZnO-NPs exerted cytotoxic effects via ROS generation and mitochondrial dysfunction. These results underscore the nanoparticles’ ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells through oxidative stress pathways. Conclusion: Biogenically synthesized ZnO-NPs from A. biplanus show promise as eco-friendly anticancer agents. Further in vivo studies are recommended to confirm their therapeutic potential.