Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Bio fabricated for Enhanced Antimicrobic, Antioxidant, and Antitumor Performance

Background: Green nanotechnology has led the development of novel materials to address the growing concerns of antimicrobial resistance and effective cancer therapies. In the current study, we investigated the potential of biogenic zinc oxide (CV-ZnO ) and titanium dioxide (CV-TiO ₂ ) nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized using Cinnamomum verum bark extract to combat human pathogens and assess anticancer potential. Methods: Green synthesized CV-ZnO and CV-TiO ₂ nanoparticles were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Their antibacterial and antifungal properties were assessed against a panel of pathogenic bacteria and fungi using the disc diffusion method. The antioxidant, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory potential was examined against the Huh-7 liver cancer cell line. Results: The biogenic spherical-shaped CV-ZnO and CV-TiO ₂ nanoparticles exhibited sizes ranging from 40 to 80 nm with absorption peaks at 300-320 nm and 300-400 nm, respectively. FTIR and XRD patterns indicated the presence of hydroxyl and organic groups, confirming high crystallinity, stabilization and phase purity. Both types of NPs exhibited significant antibacterial and antifungal activities, with larger zones of inhibition at higher concentrations. The CV-TiO ₂ nanoparticles showed superior antioxidant activity and induced higher levels of superoxide dismutase in Huh-7 cells compared to CV-ZnO nanoparticles. Furthermore, these nanoparticles, especially CV-TiO ₂ , exhibited potent cytotoxicity (67.67% at 100 μg/ml) against Huh-7 liver cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, accompanied by the modulation of key apoptotic (Bax) and inflammatory genes (AFP, Bcl-2, PTEN). Conclusion: The current findings suggest the potential application of biogenic CV-ZnO and CV-TiO ₂ NPs in developing novel antimicrobial agents and cancer therapies. Further translational studies are warranted to explore their clinical application.