Zn Doping Improves the Anticancer Efficacy of SnO2 Nanoparticles

Tin dioxide (SnO2) nanoparticles (NPs) can be applied in several ways due to their low cost, high surface-to-volume ratio, facile synthesis, and chemical stability. There is limited research on the biomedical application of SnO2-based nanostructures. This study aimed to investigate the role of Zn doping in relation to the anticancer potential of SnO2 NPs and to enhance the anticancer potential of SnO2 NPs through Z doping. Pure SnO2 and Zn-doped SnO2 NPs (1% and 5%) were prepared using a modified sol–gel route. XRD, TEM, SEM, EDX, UV-Vis, FTIR, and PL techniques were used to characterize the physicochemical properties of produced NPs. XRD analysis revealed that the crystalline size and phase composition of pure SnO2 increased after the addition of Zn. The spherical shape and homogenous distribution of these NPs were confirmed using TEM and SEM techniques. EDX analysis confirmed the Sn, Zn, and O elements in Zn-SnO2 NPs without impurities. Zn doping decreased the band gap energy of SnO2 NPs. The PL study indicated a reduction in the recombination rate of charges (electrons/holes) in SnO2 NPs after Zn doping. In vitro studies showed that the anticancer efficacy of SnO2 NPs increased with increasing levels of Zn doping in breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Moreover, pure and Zn-doped SnO2 NPs showed good cytocompatibility in HUVECs. This study emphasizes the need for additional investigation into the anticancer properties of Zn-SnO2 nanoparticles in various cancer cell lines and appropriate animal models.