Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using aqueous extract of shilajit and their anticancer activity against HeLa cells

Abstract In the present study, ZnO nanoparticles have been synthesized using an aqueous extract of shilajit. The nanoparticles were characterized using different techniques such as UV (ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared), XRD (X-ray diffraction), particle size analysis, SEM (scanning electron microscope) and EDAX (Energy-dispersive X-ray) analysis. The UV absorption peak at 422.40 nm was observed for ZnO nanoparticles. SEM analysis showed the shape of nanoparticles to be spherical, FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of zinc atoms, particle size analysis showed the nanoparticle size, EDAX confirmed the purity of ZnO nanoparticles whereas XRD pattern similar to that of JCPDS card for ZnO confirmed the presence of pure ZnO nanoparticles. The in vitro anticancer activity of ZnO nanoparticles against the HeLa cell line showed the IC 50 value of 38.60 μg/mL compared to reference standard cisplatin. This finding confirms that ZnO nanoparticles from shilajit extract have potent cytotoxic effect on human cervical cancer cell lines.