A groundbreaking study published in the esteemed journal Oncotarget has unveiled a revolutionary green nanotechnology approach, potentially transforming the future of antiviral and anticancer therapeutics. This novel research, spearheaded by Prof. Nahid Shahabadi at Razi University, introduces a green-synthesized cerium oxide nanoparticle (CeO2 NP) system loaded with the antiviral drug cidofovir. This composite, termed CDV-CeO2 NPs, embodies a fusion of cutting-edge nanomedicine with eco-friendly synthesis, addressing the urgent demand for more effective and safer treatments against DNA virus infections and cancer.
Central to this innovation is the environmentally benign fabrication of cerium oxide nanoparticles via a green synthesis method utilizing quince (Cydonia oblonga) peel extract. This biological approach eliminates the use of toxic chemicals typically involved in nanoparticle formation, thereby enhancing biocompatibility and sustainability. The phytochemicals in the quince peel serve both as reducing and stabilizing agents, facilitating the formation of nanoceria particles with unique physicochemical properties tailored for biomedical applications.
Cidofovir, a nucleotide analog widely recognized for its potent anti-DNA viral activity, has been traditionally administered with limitations due to systemic toxicity and suboptimal delivery. By integrating cidofovir onto the surface of green-synthesized CeO2 nanoparticles, researchers have engineered a dual-functional therapeutic platform that not only enhances drug stability and targeting but also exploits the inherent biological activities of nanoceria. CeO2 NPs are known for their redox-mediated antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and tumor targeting capabilities, making them ideal drug carriers with intrinsic therapeutic effects.
Extensive cytotoxicity evaluations revealed a marked enhancement in anticancer efficacy of CDV-CeO2 NPs against breast cancer cell lines. At the apex concentration tested, this novel formulation obliterated over 97% of malignant cells, a significant improvement over the 72% cytotoxicity exhibited by cidofovir alone and 50% by bare cerium oxide nanoparticles. Such synergistic potentiation of anticancer effects underscores the promise of this nanomedicine platform for reducing dosage requirements, minimizing side effects, and improving patient outcomes.
In-depth mechanistic studies delved into the interactions between the CDV-CeO2 nanoparticles and nucleic acids—DNA and RNA—crucial biomolecules implicated in tumorigenesis and viral replication. Spectroscopic and thermal analyses indicated that nanoparticles engage nucleic acids through dual binding modes: groove binding, which entails embedding within the natural helical grooves of nucleic acids, and intercalation, involving insertion between base pairs. These stable complexes exhibited thermodynamic responsiveness, validating the strength and specificity of nanoparticle-genome interactions necessary for therapeutic efficacy.
The significance of this work lies not only in its biomedical implications but also in its methodological novelty. Employing a green extraction process preserves biological functionality while mitigating environmental hazards—a vital consideration in scaling nanotechnology for clinical translation. The use of plant-derived bioresources, such as quince peel waste, exemplifies a circular bioeconomy approach that promotes sustainability in advanced material science.
Moreover, the CDV-CeO2 nanoparticle construct merges multimodal actions—antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory—within a single nanoscale entity. This multifunctionality could enable simultaneous targeting of viral pathogens and malignant cells, pertinent in conditions where viral oncogenesis, such as human papillomavirus-associated cancers, is a primary concern. The coalescence of these properties may pave the way for next-generation therapeutics that are both versatile and highly efficacious.
While promising, the translation of CDV-CeO2 NPs from benchtop experiments to clinical practice necessitates rigorous preclinical evaluations. Comprehensive animal studies to assess pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and long-term toxicity remain imperative. Furthermore, clinical trials will be essential to ascertain therapeutic safety, dosing strategies, and comparative effectiveness against existing antiviral and anticancer regimens.
This study exemplifies the burgeoning interface between green chemistry and nanomedicine, harnessing natural bioresources to innovatively engineer drug delivery systems with enhanced biological activity. The integration of cidofovir and nanoceria not only elevates drug performance but also exemplifies a paradigm shift towards environmentally conscious drug development in oncology and virology.
In summary, the green-synthesized cidofovir-loaded cerium oxide nanoparticles offer a promising multifunctional nanoparticle platform with superior cytotoxic effects on cancer cells and potent nucleic acid binding capabilities. Their synthesized method underscores a sustainable approach that could seamlessly integrate into future therapeutic strategies against DNA virus infections and cancer. If future studies validate their clinical applicability, these nanoparticles may represent a seminal advance in nanotechnology-enabled medicine with far-reaching impacts.
Correspondence regarding this significant advancement can be directed to Prof. Nahid Shahabadi at nahidshahabadi@yahoo.com. The full study was published in Oncotarget, Volume 16, on November 6, 2025, under DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28774. This open-access article invites researchers and clinicians alike to explore the multifaceted opportunities presented by green nanomedicine for combating persistent oncogenic and viral health challenges.
Subject of Research:
Not applicable
Article Title:
Anti-DNA virus agent cidofovir – loaded green synthesized cerium oxide nanoparticles (Nanoceria): Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) binding affinity and cytotoxicity effects
News Publication Date:
6-Nov-2025
Web References:
https://www.oncotarget.com/
http://dx.doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28774
Image Credits:
Copyright © 2025 Shahabadi et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0).
Keywords:
cancer, cerium oxide nanoparticles, CeO2 NPs, green synthesis, DNA interaction, RNA interaction, cytotoxicity
