Single-phase Cr2O3 nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Abstract Bio-nanotechnology plays an essential role in the application of nanotechnology in today's fascinating world due to the rapid development of science and technology. Here, we report an environmentally friendly Cr2O3 synthesis using the extract of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) fruit peels as an efficient reducing and capping agent. The structural, optical, elemental composition and morphological analyses of the synthesized products were conducted using X-ray diffractometer, photoluminescence measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy examinations. Rhombohedral polycrystalline nature of Cr2O3 powder was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Different normal modes of vibrations were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared and Raman studies. The spherical shapes of the nanoparticles were observed for all the 1-, 4-, and 7-day incubated reaction products. Cells were exposed to different concentrations in the range of 10–500 μg/ml (i.e. 10, 50, 100, and 500 μg/ml) for 24 h and the values observed were 83.33, 80, 59.33, and 48.66%, respectively. The cell viability and cytotoxicity analyses were carried out using MTT assay of human breast cancer (3T3) cell line.