Biofabrication, characterization, and efficacy of copper oxide nanoparticles derived from Caesalpinia bonducella Linn. in combating breast cancer

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, demanding novel and effective therapeutic strategies. Nanotechnology-based interventions have shown promising potential in cancer treatment. This study reports the green synthesis, characterization, and anticancer evaluation of copper oxide nanoparticles (CB-CuONPs) synthesized using Caesalpinia bonducella Linn. CB-CuONPs were synthesized via a green approach using ethyl acetate extracts of C. bonducella , along with copper sulfate and ascorbic acid as precursors. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Visible spectrophotometry, fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and zeta potential analysis. The anticancer activity of CB-CuONPs was assessed against the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line using the MTT assay. The characterization analyses provided key insights into the morphology, size, and crystalline structure of the CB-CuONPs. UV-Vis spectrophotometry confirmed nanoparticle formation with a distinct absorption peak at 255 nm. XRD analysis revealed the monoclinic crystalline nature of the synthesized CB-CuONPs. SEM and TEM imaging displayed nanoparticles with diverse shapes at various magnifications. ICP-OES analysis confirmed the presence of copper in the synthesized CuONPs, with a measured concentration of 179,867.99 ppm. FTIR spectroscopy identified characteristic peaks corresponding to CuO bonds (500–650 cm⁻¹) and plant-derived phytoconstituents (1400–3800 cm⁻¹). Zeta potential analysis showed particle sizes ranging from 60 to 102 nm. The cytotoxic potential of CB-CuONPs was validated by the MTT assay, which yielded an IC₅₀ value of 46.6 µg/mL, indicating significant anticancer activity. These findings underscore the substantial potential of CB-CuONPs as a promising nanotherapeutic agent in breast cancer treatment. The green synthesis approach using Caesalpinia bonducella not only ensures eco-friendly production but also imparts bioactive properties, contributing to the nanoparticles' significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells.