Multifunctional curcumin mediated zinc oxide nanoparticle enhancing biofilm inhibition and targeting apoptotic specific pathway in oral squamous carcinoma cells

Tayyeb JZ 1 , Priya M 2 , Guru A 3 , Kishore Kumar MS 4 , Giri J 5 , Garg A 6 Show all authors , Agrawal R 6 , Mat KB 7 , Arockiaraj J 8

Affiliations 

  • 1 Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, 23890, Saudi Arabia
  • 2 Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
  • 3 Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India. ajayguru.sdc@saveetha.com
  • 4 Biomedical Research Unit and Laboratory Animal Centre (BRULAC), Department of Anatomy, Saveetha Dental College, Chennai, 600 077, Tamil Nadu, India
  • 5 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yeshwantrao Chavan College of Engineering, Nagpur, India
  • 6 Rajiv Academy for Pharmacy, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • 7 Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agro‑Based Industry, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli Campus, Jeli, 17600, Malaysia. khairiyah@umk.edu.my
  • 8 Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India. jesuaroa@srmist.edu.in
Mol Biol Rep, 2024 Mar 15;51(1):423.
PMID: 38489102 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09407-7

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Oral health remains a significant global concern with the prevalence of oral pathogens and the increasing incidence of oral cancer posing formidable challenges. Additionally, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains has complicated treatment strategies, emphasizing the urgent need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Recent research has explored the application of plant compounds mediated with nanotechnology in oral health, focusing on the antimicrobial and anticancer properties.

METHODS: In this study, curcumin (Cu)-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized and characterized using SEM, EDAX, UV spectroscopy, FTIR, and XRD to validate their composition and structural features. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of ZnO-CU NPs was investigated through DPPH, ABTS, and zone of inhibition assays. Apoptotic assays and gene expression analysis were performed in KB oral squamous carcinoma cells to identify their anticancer activity.

RESULTS: ZnO-CU NPs showcased formidable antioxidant prowess in both DPPH and ABTS assays, signifying their potential as robust scavengers of free radicals. The determined minimal inhibitory concentration of 40 µg/mL against dental pathogens underscored the compelling antimicrobial attributes of ZnO-CU NPs. Furthermore, the interaction analysis revealed the superior binding affinity and intricate amino acid interactions of ZnO-CU NPs with receptors on dental pathogens. Moreover, in the realm of anticancer activity, ZnO-CU NPs exhibited a dose-dependent response against Human Oral Epidermal Carcinoma KB cells at concentrations of 10 µg/mL, 20 µg/mL, 40 µg/mL, and 80 µg/mL. Unraveling the intricate mechanism of apoptotic activity, ZnO-CU NPs orchestrated the upregulation of pivotal genes, including BCL2, BAX, and P53, within the KB cells.

CONCLUSIONS: This multifaceted approach, addressing both antimicrobial and anticancer activity, positions ZnO-CU NPs as a compelling avenue for advancing oral health, offering a comprehensive strategy for tackling both oral infections and cancer.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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