Anti-microbial and anti-cancer activities of Mn0.5Zn0.5DyxFe2-xO4 (x ≤ 0.1) nanoparticles

Combining two or more nanoparticles is a promising approach. Previously we have reported synthesis of nanoparticles Dysprosium (Dy) substituted with manganese (Mn) zinc (Zn) by using ultrasonication method. The five different nanoparticles (NPs) Mn 0.5 Zn 0.5 Dy x Fe 2-x O 4 (x ≤ 0.1) have been structurally and morphologically characterized but there is no report on the biological application of these NPs. In the present study, we have examined the anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activities of Mn 0.5 Zn 0.5 Dy x Fe 2-x O 4 (x ≤ 0.1) NPs. Human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT-116) were tested with different concentrations of NPs by using MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. In addition, the impact of NPs was also examined on normal cells such as human embryonic kidney cells, HEK-293. After 48 h of treatment, Mn 0.5 Zn 0.5 Dy x Fe 2-x O 4 NPs (x = 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06) showed no inhibitory action on cancer cell's growth and proliferation, whereas Mn 0.5 Zn 0.5 Dy x Fe 2-x O 4 NPs (x = 0.08 and 0.1) showed profound inhibitory action on cancer cell's growth and proliferation. However, the treatment of Mn 0.5 Zn 0.5 Dy x Fe 2-x O 4 NPs on the normal cells (HEK-293) did not show cytotoxic or inhibitory action on HEK-293 cells. The treatment of Mn 0.5 Zn 0.5 Dy x Fe 2-x O 4 NPs (x ≤ 0.1) also inhibited both the bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC35218 and Staphylococcus aureus) with lowest MIC and MBC values of 4 and 8 mg/mL and fungus (Candida albicans) with MIC and MFC values of 4 and 8 mg/mL on treatment with x = 0.08 and 0. 1.