Fabrication of Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles via Morus alba Leaf Extract and Investigation of their Biological Properties

Abstract

Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) were effectively produced through a green synthesis utilizing Morus alba leaf extract as stabilizing and capping agent. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by various analytical techniques. The successful formation of NiO NPs showed a distinct absorbance peak at 338 nm, while other results suggested the role of plant-derived compounds in stabilizing the nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy displayed mainly spherical particles with an average diameter of 35.4 nm, whereas SEM-EDX confirmed their structural features and elemental compositions. The biological activities of the prepared NiO NPs were comprehensively investigated. The anticancer potential exhibited a concentration-dependent cytotoxicity against PC-3 prostate cancer cells and WI-38 normal cells, with greater selectivity toward cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 238 µg/mL for PC-3 and 402 µg/mL for WI-38). The lipase inhibition test indicated a moderate inhibitory effect of NiO NPs in comparison with Orlistat. In addition, the antidiabetic activity was assessed and the nanoparticles showed moderate inhibitory effects relative to acarbose. Moreover, the assays of antioxidant activity demonstrated a dose-dependent radical scavenging ability, although lower than that of ascorbic acid. Overall, these findings suggest that Morus alba-derived NiO NPs hold promise for biomedical applications; however, further optimization studies are still necessary to enhance their efficacy.