Caffeic acid based titanium dioxide nanoparticles: Blood compatibility, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxicity

In the current research, we used the reducing and stabilizing potential of caffeic acid (CA) for the biosynthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs). The structural analysis of CA-mediated synthesis of TiO2NPs (CA-TiO2NPs) was primarily performed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Diffuse Reflectance Spectra (DRS) determined the morphology, functional groups, and optical properties of CA-TiO2NPs. Biocompatibility and biological activity of CA-TiO2NPs were tested at various concentrations. According to obtained results, green synthesized CA-TiO2NPs with spherical shape and average particle size of 23.64 ± 13.8 nm did not show hemolytic effects. On the other hand, these particles showed good membrane stabilization activity and inhibition of protein denaturation similar to the reference drug, which can establish their anti-inflammatory potential. The cell viability percentage of A375 and MCF-7 (cancer cell lines) was decreased in a dose-dependent manner against CA-TiO2NPs. IC50 values of CA-TiO2NPs were around 25 μg/mL for A375 and above 100 μg/mL for MCF-7 cell line. These particles inhibited the growth of human skin fibroblast cells (normal cells) by 19–30% at higher concentrations. Overall, the results indicated that CA-TiO2NPs, as a promising compound with excellent biocompatibility, can be used in healthcare products and clinical and medicinal applications.