Ajwain-assisted synthesis of oxalipalladium nanoparticles for colorectal cancer treatment: enhanced anticancer activity and protein interaction profiling

Abstract

In this study, we employed Ajwain seed extract to synthesize oxalipalladium (OX) NPs and systematically investigated their physicochemical properties and biological activities. Characterization studies revealed that the OX NPs exhibited an average size of approximately 31.2 nm with a stable zeta potential of −26 mV, indicating colloidal stability conducive to drug delivery applications. We confirmed the homogeneous and spherical nature of the NPs, with FTIR spectra highlighting the presence of functional groups consistent with OX and Ajwain extract. Notably, OX NPs demonstrated potent anticancer activity against HCT116 colon cancer cells, inducing dose-dependent apoptosis. Compared to free oxaliplatin, OX NPs exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity. Flow cytometry analysis further elucidated the apoptotic pathway induced by OX NPs, confirming their efficacy as anticancer agents. Additionally, investigation into the molecular interactions between human serum albumin (HSA) and NPs revealed structural alterations in the protein upon interaction with the ligand. Analysis using three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy revealed alterations in the surroundings of Tyr and Trp residues, suggesting the influence of nanoparticles (NPs) on the protein's structural integrity. In a nutshell, our study contributes to the advancement of natural product-based synthesis procedures and therapeutic strategies for colorectal cancer treatment.