Photodynamic action of curcumin derived polymer modified ZnO nanocomposites

The photodynamic action of ZnO nano can be improved by modifying the surface by PVA and encapsulating the natural product, curcumin. The synthesized ZnO/PVA nanocomposites have been characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, TG–DTA, etc. Here we are reporting the photodynamic effect of ZnO nanocomposites on pUC18 DNA. Based on optical and EPR measurements, singlet oxygen and other ROS were responsible for photocleavage of DNA. Most importantly, derived curcumin modified ZnO/PVA nanocomposites were comparatively more effective than derived curcumin complex against HeLa cell lines under in vitro condition. In addition, photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) in water catalyzed by nano ZnO/PVA–curcumin derivative was investigated at room temperature. Under visible irradiation photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanomaterial sensitized curcumin was higher than those of curcumin and nano ZnO.

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► ZnO/PVA nano sensitized with curcumin and its metal complex were synthesized by vacuum evaporation method.
► M/cur sensitized on ZnO/PVA nanocomposites were characterized.
► Generation of 1O2 and ROS were detected by optical and EPR-spin trapping method.
► It was found that photoinduced cleavage of DNA using Zn/cur–ZnO/PVA was superior.
► Photodegradation of MB in water catalyzed by ZnO/PVA–Zn/cur was also superior under visible light.