Cervical cancer is known as the fourth most common case among women worldwide. Despite several treatments, still cervical
cancer is a significant cause of health problems in women. Nowadays, nanotechnology has been used to increase cancer treatment
efficacy. So, the study aims to synthesize the natural nanocomposite and evaluate its anticancer activity, cell membrane
fluidity, and morphology changes against HeLa cancer cells. Cellulose was extracted from bare wastes. NiO nanoparticles
and clay were added to it to have cellulose-clay-NiO nanocomposite. This novel nanocomposite was characterized using
Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray
spectroscopy (EDAX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and elemental analysis. TEM images show a spherical shape with an average
size of 19 nm. EDAX and elemental analysis show C, O (cellulose), Si, Al (
SiO2 and Al2O3
of clay), and Ni (NiO) confirming
the successful synthesis of the nanocomposite. XRD pattern of nanocomposite shows the presence of cellulose, NiO, and
clay. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), membrane fluidity and apoptosis assay were estimated upon treatment
with nanocomposite on HeLa cancer cell lines. The MTT assay of nanocomposite displayed concentration-dependent cytotoxicity.
The half-maximal inhibitory concentration was found to be 106.9 μg/mL. The enhanced level of ROS in the treated
cells caused a decline in cell membrane fluidity and finally induced apoptosis in HeLa cells. So, exposure to nanocomposite
resulted in decreased cell viability and excitation of apoptosis. Therefore, it can be used as a biodegradable, cost-effective
drug for cancer treatment.
