Mechanistic insights into toxicity of CuO star shaped nanoasters on microbial and cellular systems

Even though some information exists about cytotoxicity of copper oxide on human cell lines, nothing is known about their cytotoxic action on muscle precursor myoblasts. The aim of this study was to investigate cytotoxic impact of copper oxide star shaped nanoaster flowers on both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Successful synthesis of nanoasters was carried out by hydrothermal approach and were characterized by XRD, SEM-EDX and FTIR. Escherichia coli (Gram-ve), S. aureus (Gram + ve) and Candida albicans were used to measure cytotoxicity to bacterial and fungal cells respectively. Myoblasts were treated with various doses of nanoasters to investigate in vitro cytotoxicity. Cell survival was assessed using cell counting kit-8 assay at regular intervals. Nanoasters amalgamated via hydrothermal consist of nanorod clusters, with diameters ranging from 10 to 40 nm, exhibited potent bactericidal and antimycotic activity. For the first time, star shaped nanoasters have been investigated for their biological function in vitro, and results indicated that they bind genomic DNA, block mitochondrial caspases 3 and 7, and reduce cell viability in concentration dependent mode. Nanoasters were effective both on prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. In summary, figuring out pathways will aid in comprehending consequences of nanoasters and assessing associated risks these flowers pose to human health. Nevertheless, in future, employing these nanoasters with appropriate capping could offer potential benefits in addressing carcinogenic and toxicological conditions associated with oxidative stress.