Synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanoflakes anchored carbon nanoplates for antioxidant and anticancer activity in MCF7 cell lines

ZnO nanoparticles with flakes-like structures were synthesized by simple wet chemical route using triethanolamine as a mild base. The well distributed ZnO nanoflakes onto carbon nanoplates (ZnO/C) were prepared by wet impregnation method. The crystalline structure and purity of the synthesized samples was inspected using XRD. The shape, structural morphology and elemental composition analysis was studied using FESEM and EDS. The probable anticancer activity of the synthesized samples was studied through their activity on human breast cancer MCF7 cell line. Exposure of breast cancer cells to ZnO and ZnO/C resulted in a dose dependent loss of cell viability, and the characteristic apoptotic features such as early and late apoptosis by dual staining. The results exhibited an enhanced antioxidant activity in the ZnO/C treated cells. This present study demonstrated that the ZnO and ZnO/C can be suggested as compounds with potential activity to induce apoptosis probable anticancer activity agents. •ZnO nanoparticles with flakes-like structures were synthesized.•Carbon nanoplates (ZnO/C) were prepared by wet impregnation method.•ZnO and ZnO/C showed dose dependant loss of cell viability.•ZnO and ZnO/C are able to induce apoptosis in human breast cancer cells.