Cytotoxic Effects of Green Synthesis of Zirconium Nanoparticles of Aqueous Clover Extract on Breast Cancer

Background Aims: Breast cancer is one of the major causes of death among women. In various studies, the effects of synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) on cancer cells have been measured. This investigation aimed to explore the cytotoxic effects of metal zirconium nanoparticles (ZrNPs) synthesized by aqueous extract of clover leaves (Trifolium repens L) on breast cancer cells. Materials and Methods: metal ZrNPs were synthesized utilizing the aqueous extract of clover leaves. Physical and chemical evaluation of the synthesized NPs was done by UV-Vis, EDS, SEM, and DLS analyses. The cytotoxic effects of ZrNPs on MDA-MB-468 and HFF cell lines were investigated by the MTT assay and compared with those of Tamoxifen, a chemotherapy medication used to treat breast cancer. Results: The aqueous extract of clover was utilized as a reducing agent in the synthesis of ZrNPs. The size of ZrNPs was 29-81 nm, in irregular polygonal form, and star-shaped, and flower-like colonies were observed homogeneously. MTT test showed that ZrNPs inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-468 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The IC50 value calculated from the dose-response curve for the MDA-MB-468 cell line was 264.3 μg/mL. Conclusion: The aqueous clover extract showed a suitable ability with green synthesis of NPs. Considering the cytotoxic effects of ZrNPs on breast cancer cell lines, it can be used as an effective therapeutic agent to be examined and evaluated clinically to deal with cancers in future studies.