Green Synthesis of Lead Oxide Nanoparticles Using Ficus benghalensis Stem Extract and Evaluation of Its Anticancer Activity Against MCF‐7 Breast Cancer Cell Line

ABSTRACT

Phyto‐mediated synthesis offers a safe, eco‐friendly, and cost‐effective method for nanoparticle production. In this study, lead oxide nanoparticles (PbO‐NPs) were synthesized using an extract from the stem of Ficus benghalensis ( F. benghalensis ). The structure and morphology of the biogenically synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The UV–visible absorption spectrum exhibited a surface plasmon resonance peak at 230 nm, confirming synthesis of PbO‐NPs. TEM and SEM analyses revealed that the PbO‐NPs were uniform in shape and nanoscale in size, averaging between 10 and 20 nm. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of functional groups responsible for the reduction of lead ions and stabilization of the nanoparticles. XRD analysis showed distinct peaks at specific 2 θ values, confirming the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles. The anticancer potential of PbO‐NPs was evaluated In vitro activity against the MCF‐7 breast cancer cell line using varying concentrations. A notable reduction in cell viability was observed, with approximately 58.2% viability at a concentration of 12.5 µg/mL. This study demonstrates a low‐cost and environmentally sustainable approach to synthesizing PbO‐NPs using F. benghalensis , with promising biological and anticancer properties.