Synthesis of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Using Zingiber officinale Extracts: Their Role in Anticancer Potential

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to develop an eco-friendly nanotherapeutic strategy by synthesizing titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) using Zingiber officinale (ginger) extract and to evaluate their apoptosis-mediated anticancer activity against A549 human lung carcinoma cells. The study emphasizes the distinctive role of ginger phytochemicals in enhancing nanoparticle bioactivity compared to conventional plant mediated syntheses.

Methods: TiO₂ nanoparticles were biosynthesized using Zingiber officinale extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent, eliminating the need for toxic chemicals. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to determine morphology and size, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to identify phytochemical functional groups involved in nanoparticle capping and stabilization. The anticancer efficacy of TiO₂ NPs was assessed against A549 lung cancer cells and normal lung fibroblasts using the MTT assay. Apoptosis associated morphological changes were examined microscopically, and apoptotic cell death was further confirmed by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) dual staining.

Results: TEM analysis confirmed the formation of uniformly distributed nanosized TiO₂ particles, while FTIR spectra revealed the presence of amine, ketone, and alkene groups, indicating effective surface functionalization by ginger-derived phytochemicals. The biosynthesized TiO₂ NPs exhibited significant dose-dependent cytotoxicity against A549 cells and normal lung fibroblasts, with a low IC₅₀ value of 12 ± 0.5 μg/mL. Treated cells showed characteristic apoptotic features, including cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, and orange-red fluorescence in AO/EtBr staining.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that ginger-mediated TiO₂ nanoparticles effectively induce apoptosis in A549 lung cancer cells and exhibit strong anticancer activity. These biosynthesized TiO₂ NPs represent a promising eco-friendly and biocompatible nanotherapeutic candidate for lung cancer treatment.