Cancer remains a predominant global health concern, necessitating effective treatment options. Conventional cancer therapies, particularly chemotherapy, often face constraints such as low selectivity, insufficient solubility, and multidrug resistance (MDR), which diminish effectiveness and exacerbate negative effects. Metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs), such as iron oxide, zinc oxide, and copper oxide, offer a promising solution by enhancing targeted drug delivery, reducing systemic toxicity, and mitigating chemotherapy-induced disabilities like neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. Nanocarriers conjugated with drugs can improve drug delivery within the body and enhance their circulation in the bloodstream. Recent advancements in MONP synthesis and functionalization have further improved their stability and drug-loading capacity, making them a valuable tool in cancer treatment. MONPs have distinctive physicochemical characteristics, enabling better imaging, drug encapsulation, and targeted medication delivery to cancerous cells. These nanocarriers enhance treatment effectiveness through focused and controlled drug release, reducing off-target effects and addressing drug resistance. This review aims to explore the potential of MONPs as efficient nanocarriers for anticancer drugs, addressing limitations of traditional chemotherapy such as poor specificity, systemic toxicity, and drug resistance. Additionally, the review discusses recent advancements in MONP synthesis and functionalization, which enhance their stability, drug-loading capacity, and compatibility.

The resistance of fungal pathogens to traditional antifungal medications presents a significant public health concern, particularly for immunocompromised patients, leading to elevated rates of illness and death. This study aimed to explore the antifungal properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) produced using a natural approach involving the aqueous seed extract of Trigonella foenumgracium (Fenugreek). Additionally, the study assessed the combined effectiveness of these biologically synthesized ZnO NPs with fluconazole against fungal pathogens. The biologically synthesized ZnO NPs were observed to have a hexagonal shape with an average diameter of 27 nm and a surface charge of -18.3 mV. Notably, these nanoparticles exhibited the most potent antifungal activity against Candida tropicalis, with a relative inhibition zone diameter of 18.67±0.56 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration against C. tropicalis was determined to be 100 μg/mL, while the minimum fungicidal concentration was found to be 200 μg/mL. The greatest synergistic effect between the biologically synthesized ZnO NPs and fluconazole was observed against Candida glabrata, followed by Candida parapsilosis. In summary, the study underscores the potential of combining biologically synthesized ZnO NPs with fluconazole to formulate an effective antifungal treatment against drug-resistant fungal pathogens, thereby enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of conventional antifungal drugs.