Anti-DNA virus agent cidofovir - loaded green synthesized cerium oxide nanoparticles (Nanoceria): Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) binding affinity and cytotoxicity effects

Abstract

In this study, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) were synthesized using a green chemistry approach, utilizing quince fruit (Cydonia oblonga) peel extract as a non-toxic reducing and stabilizing agent. This environmentally friendly technique represents a novel approach to nanoparticle fabrication, emphasizing sustainability in nanotechnology. The surface of the green-synthesized CeO₂ NPs was further functionalized with cidofovir (CDV), an anti-DNA virus agent, to develop a dual-functional therapeutic platform with potential anticancer and antiviral applications. The successful synthesis and modification of CDV-loaded CeO₂ NPs (CDV- CeO₂ NPs) were confirmed through a series of characterizations, including FT-IR, zeta potential, TEM, SEM-EDX, DLS, and UV-Vis analyses. The cytotoxic effects of CDV, CeO₂ NPs, and CDV- CeO₂ NPs were evaluated against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line using the MTT assay, revealing that the loading of CDV onto CeO₂ NPs significantly enhanced its anticancer efficacy. Furthermore, the interaction of CDV-CeO₂ NPs with nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) was investigated through absorption and fluorescence studies, demonstrating a strong binding affinity and suggesting the potential of these nanoparticles as highly specific chemotherapeutic agents. The novelty of this work lies in the innovative green synthesis method, the dual-functional therapeutic application, and the enhanced biological activity of the CDV-CeO₂ NPs, which collectively position these nanoparticles as promising candidates for future cancer and antiviral therapies.