Biological relevance of CuFeO nanoparticles: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity, genotoxicity, DNA and protein interactions.

Heterometal oxide nanoparticles of bioessential metals are shedding new light to nanoparticle-inspired bioapplications. Pairing bioreactive elements like copper and iron can affect the redox dynamic and biological profile of the nanomaterial. Given the complexity of physicochemical properties, biological activity and toxicity concerns, extensive exploration is demanded, especially when active and less active oxidation states participate as in case of cuprous-ferric delafossite CuFeO (copper(I)-iron(III)), a less widespread nanomaterial. In that vein, CuFeO nanoparticles were synthesized and biological profile was evaluated in comparison with cuprous oxide (CuO NPs) counterpart, an already established antimicrobial agent. Interactions with bacteria, proteins and DNA were examined. CuO NPs exhibited stronger antibacterial activity (IC < 25 μg/ml) than CuFeO NPs (IC > 100 μg/ml). In vitro exposure of nanoparticles on plasmid DNA unveiled toxicity in the form of DNA damage for CuO and enhanced biocompatibility for CuFeO NPs. Genotoxicity estimated by the frequency of sister chromatid exchanges, cytostaticity based on the proliferating rate indices and cytotoxicity based on the mitotic indices at human peripheral lymphocyte cultures were all significantly lower in the case of CuFeO NPs. Furthermore, through in vitro albumin denaturation assay, CuFeO NPs showed better performance in protein denaturation protection, correlating in superior anti-inflammatory activity than CuO and similar to acetylsalicylic acid. Synergy of copper(I)-iron(III) in nanoscale is apparent and gives rise to fruitful bioapplications and perspectives.