Dual-functionality of Hibiscus sabdariffa-CuO nanoparticles in chemotherapy and textile screen-printing on cellulose-based textiles

The dual-functional nanostructures show great promise for biomedical applications, exhibiting selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells while also serving as a crucial component in textile screen-printing for smart materials. In this study, we successfully synthesized polyethylene glycol-hibiscus extract copper (II) oxide nanoparticles (PEG/HS/CuO NPs) using a simple one-step sonosynthesis method that leverages ultrasonic irradiation. Comprehensive characterization of the synthesized PEG/HS/CuO NPs was performed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The incorporation of PEG/HS/CuO NPs into guar gum photochromic solution (GP) caused a significant color change after 6 ± 1 min of UV light exposure and resulted in visible coloration on cellulose-based textiles after screen printing, providing an alternative strategy for smart fabrics. Moreover, cytotoxicity experiments demonstrated the selective toxicity of green PEG/HS/CuO NPs against cancer cells. In this study, the human colon cancer cell line HCT116, breast cancer cell line MCF-7, and normal HUVEC cells were examined. PEG/HS/CuO NPs NPs induced apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and down-regulation of CD44 antibody expression in MCF-7 cells, highlighting their potential as effective chemotherapy agents. © The Author(s) 2025.