Thesis (MSc) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Bioengineering

Murraya koenigii, a medicinal herb belonging to the Rutaceae family, contains primary active ingredients such as carbazole mahanine, which has been observed to alter the development rate of breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB 231 and reduce cell survival. This study focuses on the biosynthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using curry leaves (Murraya koenigii) to study the synergistic effect of both on breast cancer cell. The study aims to investigate the phytochemical composition, characterization, and synthesis of nanoparticles, exploring the leaf extract's potential in terms of antioxidant activities and microbial effects. Phytochemical analysis revealed the following values: Total Ash (8.7%), Ethanol Soluble Extractive (6.79%), Acid-Insoluble Ash (0.19%), Water-Soluble Extractive (5.47%), and Foaming Index (Nil). Various techniques were used to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles, including UV-Visible spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). These techniques confirmed the successful fabrication of the nanoparticles and their desired properties. Furthermore, a cytotoxicity assay was employed to evaluate the efficacy of ZnO NPs on breast cancer cells, highlighting their potential as a promising treatment for cancer while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Research was conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind the anticancer activity. This study underscores the promising use of curry leaf-mediated ZnO NPs as an innovative approach for cancer treatment, potentially sparking further exploration in the fields of nanomedicine and drug delivery.