Green Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Using Orange Peel Extract for Anti-Gastric Cancer Activity

Kamel, Aya; Sabrina, Mohanad

doi:10.25673/123640

Proceedings of International Conference on Applied Innovation in IT · 2026/03/31 · Vol. 14 · Issue 1 · pp. 799–805

Green Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Using Orange Peel Extract for Anti-Gastric Cancer Activity

Aya Amer Kamel, Mohanad Waheeb Mahdi and Ladjama Sabrina

📄 Download PDF DOI: 10.25673/123640

Abstract

This study presents the green synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) using orange peel extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The phytochemical-rich extract was utilized to biosynthesize CuONPs, which were subsequently analyzed using GC–MS, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The structural analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of CuO, while FESEM revealed a particle size distribution ranging from 10 to 72 nm. The anticancer potential of the synthesized CuONPs was evaluated against gastric cancer cell lines using the MTT assay, with normal human fibroblast (HFF) cells used as control. Results demonstrated a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on gastric cancer cells, achieving a maximum inhibition rate of 91.8% at 800 µg/mL, while showing minimal toxicity (up to 5%) toward normal cells. These findings indicate strong selective anticancer activity of biosynthesized CuONPs. The observed bioactivity is attributed to the synergistic effect of copper oxide nanoparticles and phytochemicals such as flavonoids and limonene present in orange peel extract, which may enhance reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells. Overall, the study highlights the potential of environmentally friendly CuONPs as promising candidates for gastric cancer therapy and supports the application of agricultural waste in nanobiotechnology.

Keywords

Eco-Friendly Nanobiomaterials Gastric Cancer MTT.

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