Optical and structural characterization of Au@ZnO core–shell nanoparticles prepared by pulsed laser ablation as anticancer agents for skin cancer

A core–shell nanoparticle composite consisting of gold as the core and zinc oxide as the shell was synthesized using the pulsed laser ablation technique in deionized water, such that the resulting mixture acts as an anti-skin cancer activity. Zinc oxide also limits the effect of gold nanoparticles on normal cells unaffected by reactive oxygen species to the extent that cancer cells are affected. The formed nanoparticles were characterized by purity (gold and zinc oxide nanoparticles only), as no impurities were detected by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The optical properties were evaluated, the energy gap of the formed nanoparticles was calculated, and the surface plasmon resonance of the gold nanoparticles at 530 nm was observed by UV–Vis spectroscopy. The sample showed ideal peaks by XRD analysis, which allowed the crystallite sizes of both Au and ZnO NPs to be calculated. Transmission electron microscopy observed the ZnO NPs to surround the Au NPs. The atomic force microscopy revealed the smooth surface roughness. The homogeneous surface was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The zeta potential analysis indicated that the core shell of Au ZnO NPs had a moderate electrostatic potential. Finally, the study confirmed that the nanoparticle composite is a promising drug against skin cancer using an MTT assay.