Synthesis of phycoerythrin-Ag-ZnO nanobiocomposite from marine red algae Porphyridium purpureum for anticancer applications against MCF-7 cell line

Phycoerythrin-Silver-Zinc oxide Nanobiocomposite for Anticancer Applications

Abstract

Recently, research has focused on marine microorganisms for green synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles, with potential applications in treatment of cancer as well as in food and cosmetics. Among the marine algae, Porphyridium cruentum contain a major red pigment called R-phycoerythrin which is a red fluorescent pigment is used as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Ag-ZnO nanocomposite is synthesized by a green approach by using phycoerythrin as a capping agent. The physiochemical properties of the synthesized nanocomposite are determined using UV-Vis, XRD, FTIR and SEM/EDX. The UV-Vis has confirmed the presence of nanocomposite at 400nm. The FTIR showed the peak of Zn–O vibration and other hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. The XRD determined the crystalline nature and hexagonal shape of the nanocomposite. EDX showed the elemental composition of the Ag, Zn and O. The combined effect of the phycoerythrin and Ag-ZnO nanobiocomposite was studied by MTT Assay to check its anticancer property such as proliferation and toxicity. As a result, the IC50 was found to be 100µg when studied on MCF-7 cell line. It is found that combination of phycoerythrin and Ag-ZnO inhibited the growth of the MCF-7 cell line and can be used as photosensitive drug for chemotherapy in future.