Dual Functionality of Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles: Exploring Their Potential as Antimicrobial and Anticancer Agents
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-29-2025
Department
Department of Chemistry
Abstract
Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4 NPs) exhibit promising dual functionality as both antimicrobial and anticancer agents, addressing critical challenges posed by microbial resistance and the limitations of conventional cancer therapies. This review provides an overview of the antimicrobial activity of Co3O4 NPs, detailing their mechanisms of action, which include membrane disruption, protein and enzyme dysfunction, and DNA damage. Comparative studies highlight the superior efficacy of Co3O4 NPs against various pathogens relative to traditional antimicrobial agents, emphasizing their potential as a viable alternative in combating resistant strains. In addition to their antimicrobial properties, Co3O4 NPs demonstrate significant anticancer activity, contributing to advancements in cancer therapy through mechanisms such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, and the induction of apoptosis and autophagy. Despite their therapeutic potential, concerns regarding toxicity and biocompatibility remain, necessitating comprehensive in vitro and in vivo toxicity studies to assess their safety profile. Key challenges to the clinical application of Co3O4 NPs include understanding their mechanisms of action, addressing formulation stability, navigating regulatory hurdles, and developing scalable manufacturing processes. Future prospects for Co3O4 NPs lie in synergistic therapeutic applications, personalized medicine tailored to individual patient profiles, integration with emerging technologies, and the exploration of combination nanoparticles that enhance therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, advanced characterization techniques will be pivotal in elucidating the nanoparticle behavior in biological systems, paving the way for clinical trials that validate their safety and efficacy in treating infections and cancer. This comprehensive analysis underscores the potential of Co3O4 NPs as a multifaceted platform for combating antimicrobial resistance and advancing cancer therapeutics.
Publication Title
Biomedical Materials and Devices
Recommended Citation
Ifijen, I.,
Faderin, E.,
Okafor, C.,
Onyinyechi, O.,
Aworinde, O.,
Iorkula, T.,
Fagbolade, M.,
Adesina, K.,
Akodu, B.,
Adeleke, B.,
Udogu, U.,
&
Udokpoh, N.
(2025).
Dual Functionality of Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles: Exploring Their Potential as Antimicrobial and Anticancer Agents.
Biomedical Materials and Devices.
http://doi.org/10.1007/s44174-025-00276-7
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p2/1460
