Study of Antiproliferative Effect of Biosynthesized Magnetite Nanoparticles Using Moringa oleifera on Bacterial and Carcinogenic Cells

The growing prevalence of drug‐resistant bacterial infections and the systemic toxicity associated with conventional cancer therapies underscore the urgent need for functional nanomaterials that are both biocompatible and environmentally sustainable. In this context, the present study addresses key limitations in the conventional synthesis of iron oxide (Fe 3 O 4 ) nanoparticles (NPs), including agglomeration, instability, and systemic toxicity, through a plant‐based biofunctionalization strategy. Specifically, the antioxidant‐rich phytochemicals of Moringa oleifera leaf extract were employed in a biosynthetic approach to facilitate nanoparticle formation while enhancing surface functionality, colloidal stability, and biological efficacy. Comparative synthesis using conventional co‐precipitation (Fe 3 O 4 ) and Moringa ‐mediated biosynthesis (MO‐Fe 3 O 4 ) was conducted, and structural and functional characteristics were systematically evaluated using UV–vis spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, SEM, and zeta potential analyses. The MO‐Fe 3 O 4 NPs exhibited superior physicochemical properties, including a smaller crystallite size (9.69 nm vs. 12.5 nm), higher colloidal stability (−60.6 mV), and a narrower band gap (2.1 eV), indicative of enhanced surface reactivity. Functionally, MO‐Fe 3 O 4 demonstrated stronger antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli , with larger inhibition zones and lower MIC values compared to chemically synthesized Fe 3 O 4 . Furthermore, cytotoxicity assays revealed potent antiproliferative effects on HeLa cancer cells (IC 50 = 107.52 µg/mL) with minimal impact on normal fibroblast cells, confirming biocompatibility. Overall, this study underscores the potential of plant‐derived nanoconjugates to enhance NPs functionality without relying on toxic reagents. The Moringa ‐capped Fe 3 O 4 NPs integrate antioxidant‐rich capping with magnetic core properties, offering dual‐action antimicrobial and anticancer capabilities that bridge traditional medicinal resources with modern nanotechnology.