Anticancer Activities of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Targeting Apoptosis and Inflammatory Pathways in Colon Cancer Cells

Determination of Antioxidant, Cytotoxicity, and Anti-human Lung Cancer Properties of Silver Nanoparticles Green-Formulated by Foeniculum vulgare Extract Combined with Radiotherapy

The current investigation involved the silver nanoparticles green synthesis utilizing the aqueous extract derived from the Foeniculum vulgare leaves (AgNPs@FV). The effectiveness of these newly developed nanoparticles in conjunction with radiotherapy was evaluated on lung cancer cells. The synthesized AgNPs@FV underwent characterization through various analytical techniques such as energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry. The efficacy of AgNPs@FV in conjunction with radiotherapy against human lung cancer was assessed through the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The AgNPs@FV exhibited a spherical morphology ranging in size from 10.16 to 42.74 nm. The EDX diagram of nanoparticles shows energy signals at 3.02 and 2.64 keV, which are attributed to Ag Lβ and Ag Lα, respectively. During the antioxidant evaluation, AgNPs@FV and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) displayed IC50 values of 166 and 59 µg/mL, respectively. The cells treated with AgNPs@FV in conjunction with radiotherapy were evaluated using the MTT assay over 48 h to determine cytotoxicity and anti-human lung cancer characteristics on normal (human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC)) and lung cancer cells and exhibited IC50 values of 211, 166, and 296 µg/mL against NCI-H2126, NCI-H1299, and NCI-H1437, respectively. Furthermore, the malignant lung cell viability decreased when treated with a combination of AgNPs@FV and radiotherapy. Based on the aforementioned findings, it is possible that the newly developed AgNPs@FV could serve as a novel chemotherapeutic medication or adjunct for addressing lung cancer following the completion of clinical trials involving human subjects.

Advancements in colorectal cancer treatment: The role of metal-based and inorganic nanoparticles in modern therapeutic approaches

Recent advances in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) have highlighted the integration of metal-based nanoparticles into sophisticated therapeutic strategies. This examination delves into the potential applications of these nanoparticles, particularly in augmenting the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and targeted drug delivery systems. Metal nanoparticles, such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), and copper (Cu), possess distinctive characteristics that make them valuable in cancer treatment. Beyond their role as drug carriers, these nanoparticles actively engage in therapeutic processes like apoptosis induction, enhancement of photothermal effects, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) crucial for tumor cell eradication. The utilization of metal nanoparticles in CRC therapy addresses significant challenges encountered with conventional treatments, such as drug resistance and systemic toxicity. For example, engineered Au nanoparticles enable targeted drug delivery, reducing off-target effects and maximizing therapeutic efficacy against cancerous cells. Their capacity to absorb near-infrared light allows for localized hyperthermia, effectively eliminating cancerous tissues. Similarly, Cu nanoparticles exhibit potential in overcoming drug resistance by enhancing the efficacy of traditional chemotherapeutic agents through ROS production and improved drug stability. This review underscores the significance of precision medicine in CRC care. Through the integration of metal nanoparticles alongside complementary biomarkers and personalized treatment strategies, a more efficient and tailored therapeutic approach can be achieved. The synergistic effect of PDT in combination with metal nanoparticles introduces a novel methodology to CRC treatment, offering a dual-action mechanism that enhances tumor targeting while minimizing undesirable effects. In conclusion, the integration of metal-based nanoparticles in CRC therapy marks a significant progress in oncological treatments. Continued research is imperative to comprehensively grasp their mechanisms, optimize their clinical utility, and address potential safety considerations. This thorough assessment aims to pave the way for future advancements in CRC treatment through the application of nanotechnology and personalized medicine strategies.

Metabolomics Analysis for Unveiling the Toxicological Mechanism of Silver Nanoparticles Using an In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion Model

The increasing use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in consumer products has led to concerns about potential health risks after oral exposure as a result of the transformation and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). However, the intricate condition of the GIT poses challenges in understanding the fate and toxicity of AgNPs as they traverse from the mouth to the rectum. For an in-depth understanding of the nanobio interactions, we employed a simulated digestion model to investigate alterations in the physicochemical properties of AgNPs in vitro. Meanwhile, we investigated the underlying toxicological mechanisms of digested AgNPs in enterocytes through metabolomics analysis. In contrast to route means that primarily apply salt solutions to mimic dietary digestion, this in vitro model is a semidynamic sequential digestion system that includes artificial oral, gastric, and intestinal fluids, which are similar to those under physiological conditions including electrolytes, enzymes, bile, pH, and time of digestion. Our results suggest that the formation of Ag-Cl and Ag-S species within the simulated digestion model can lead to an increase in the size of digested AgNPs and that the acidic condition promotes the release of Ag+ from particles. More critically, the presence of digestive enzymes and high concentrations of salt enhances the uptake of Ag by human colon enterocytes, ultimately promoting ROS generation and exacerbating cytotoxicity. Metabolomics analysis further reveals that the sequentially digested AgNPs may disorder lipid metabolism, including the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and arachidonic acid metabolism, thus increasing the possibility of ferroptosis activation in enterocytes. These findings offer significant insights into the fate and potential adverse effects of AgNPs in the GIT, providing important implications for assessing the health risks of AgNPs via oral exposure.

Silver nanoparticle functionalized by glutamine and conjugated with thiosemicarbazide induces apoptosis in colon cancer cell line

The high mortality rate of colon cancer indicates the insufficient efficacy of current chemotherapy. Thus, the discussion on engineered metal nanoparticles in the treatment of the disease has been considered. In this study, silver nanoparticles were functionalized with glutamine and conjugated with thiosemiccarbazide. Then, anticancer mechanism of Ag@Gln-TSC NPs in a colon cancer cell line (SW480) was investigated. Characterizing Ag@Gln-TSC NPs by FT-IR, XRD, EDS-mapping, DLS, zeta potential, and SEM and TEM microscopy revealed that the Ag@Gln-TSC NPs were correctly synthesized, the particles were spherical, with surface charge of - 27.3 mV, high thermal stability and low agglomeration level. Using MTT assay we found that Ag@Gln-TSC NPs were significantly more toxic for colon cancer cells than normal fibroblast cells with IC50 of 88 and 186 µg/mL, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis showed that treating colon cancer cells with Ag@Gln-TSC NPs leads to a considerable increase in the frequency of apoptotic cells (85.9% of the cells) and increased cell cycle arrest at the S phase. Also, several apoptotic features, including hyperactivity of caspase-3 (5.15 folds), increased expression of CASP8 gene (3.8 folds), and apoptotic nuclear alterations were noticed in the nanoparticle treated cells. Furthermore, treating colon cancer cells with Ag@Gln-TSC NPs caused significant down-regulation of the HULC Lnc-RNA and PPFIA4 oncogene by 0.3 and 0.6 folds, respectively. Overall, this work showed that Ag@Gln-TSC NPs can effectively inhibit colon cancer cells through the activation of apoptotic pathways, a feature that can be considered more in studies in the field of colon cancer treatment.

The Characterization and Study of Antibacterial, Free Radical Scavenging, and Anticancer Potential of Livistona chinensis-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles

In the present research, Livistona chinensis leaf extracts were utilized as reductants to bio-fabricate silver nanoparticles (LC-AgNPs) and this was followed by the evaluation of their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer potential. Multiple parameters were optimized for the formation and fidelity of LC-AgNPs. The color shift of the reaction mixture from yellow to dark brown confirmed the LC-AgNPs formation. UV/VIS spectroscopy exhibited a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 436 nm. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy spectrum depicted phytochemicals in the plant extract acting as bio-reducers for LC-AgNPs synthesis. The XRD pattern confirmed the presence of LC-AgNPs by showing peaks corresponding to 2θ angle at 8.24° (111), 38.16° (200), 44.20° (220), and 64.72° (311). Zetasizer analysis exhibited size distribution by intensity of LC-AgNPs with a mean value of 255.7 d. nm. Moreover, the zeta potential indicated that the AgNPs synthesized were stable. The irregular shape of LC-AgNPs with a mean average of 38.46 ± 0.26 nm was found by scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the antioxidant potential of LC-AgNPs was examined using a DPPH assay and was calculated to be higher in LC-AgNPs than in leaf extracts. The calculated IC50 values of the LC-AgNPs and plant extract are 85.01 ± 0.17 and 209.44 ± 0.24, respectively. The antibacterial activity of LC-AgNPs was investigated against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis as well as Staphylococcus aureus, and maximum potential was observed after 24 h against P. aeruginosa. Moreover, LC-AgNPs exhibited maximum anticancer potential against TPC1 cell lines compared to the plant extract. The findings suggested that LC-AgNPs could be used as antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer agents for the cure of free-radical-oriented bacterial and oncogenic diseases.

Anticancer potential of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles using Lantana camara leaf extract

A Lantana camara leaf (LC) extract was used as a mild reducing agent to produce silver metal nanoparticles (LC-AgNPs) efficiently. The size, shape, and morphology of synthesized silver nanoparticles were verified. LC-AgNPs were found in LC extract by XRD. The optimal concentrations of silver nitrate and LC extract necessary for the production of stable silver nanoparticles were determined. The LC-AgNPs were found spherical in form and monodispersed. Under optimal conditions, the round LC-AgNPs of 50-90 nm were utilized to cure lung cancer (A549 cell line) and breast cancer (MCF7) cell lines. Finally, the produced LC-AgNPs enhanced anti-cancer efficacy against A549 cells, with an IC50 = 49.52 g/mL. Similarly, the effect of LC-AgNPs on MCF7 cell line was assessed using an MTT test and inhibitory concentration (IC50) was determined found that 46.67 g/mL.

Inorganic Nanomaterials Used in Anti-Cancer Therapies:Further Developments

In this article, we provide an overview of the progress of scientists working to improve the quality of life of cancer patients. Among the known methods, cancer treatment methods focusing on the synergistic action of nanoparticles and nanocomposites have been proposed and described. The application of composite systems will allow precise delivery of therapeutic agents to cancer cells without systemic toxicity. The nanosystems described could be used as a high-efficiency photothermal therapy system by exploiting the properties of the individual nanoparticle components, including their magnetic, photothermal, complex, and bioactive properties. By combining the advantages of the individual components, it is possible to obtain a product that would be effective in cancer treatment. The use of nanomaterials to produce both drug carriers and those active substances with a direct anti-cancer effect has been extensively discussed. In this section, attention is paid to metallic nanoparticles, metal oxides, magnetic nanoparticles, and others. The use of complex compounds in biomedicine is also described. A group of compounds showing significant potential in anti-cancer therapies are natural compounds, which have also been discussed.

Activities against Lung Cancer of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles: A Review

Nanomedicine is an interdisciplinary field where nanostructured objects are applied to treat or diagnose disease. Nanoparticles (NPs) are a special class of materials at nanometric scale that can be prepared from lipids, polymers, or noble metals through bottom-up approaches. Biological synthesis is a reliable, sustainable, and non-toxic bottom-up method that uses phytochemicals, microorganisms, and enzymes to induce the reduction of metal ions into NPs. Silver (Ag) NPs exhibit potent therapeutic properties that can be exploited to overcome the limitations of current treatment modalities for human health issues such as lung cancer (LC). Here, we review the preparation of AgNPs using biological synthesis and their application against LC using in vitro and in vivo models. An overview of the staging, diagnosis, genetic mutations, and treatment of LC, as well as its main subtypes, is presented. A summary of the reaction mechanisms of AgNPs using microbial cell cultures, plant extracts, phytochemicals, and amino acids is included. The use of capping agents in the biosynthesis of AgNPs with anticancer activity is also detailed. The history and biological activities of metal-based nanostructures synthesized with gold, copper, palladium, and platinum are considered. The possible anticancer mechanisms of AgNPs against LC models are covered. Our perspective about the future of AgNPs in LC treatment and nanomedicine is added.

Silver Nanoparticles Exert Apoptotic Activity in Bladder Cancer 5637 Cells Through Alteration of Bax/Bcl-2 Genes Expression

Bladder cancer is defined as a urinary tract malignancy that threatens men's and women's health. Due to the side effects of common chemotherapies, novel therapeutic strategies are necessary to overcome the issues concerning bladder cancer treatments. Nanotechnology has been suggested as a means to develop the next-generation objectives of cancer diagnosis and treatment among various novel therapies. Owing to the special characteristics that they can offer, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were investigated in this study to evaluate their apoptotic impact on bladder cancer 5637 cells. In this study, an MTT assay was conducted and appropriate concentrations of AgNPs were selected. Moreover, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis levels were determined using fluorimetric and Annexin/PI flow cytometry assays, respectively. Moreover, the activity of caspase 3,7, mRNA expression of Bax (Bcl-2-associated X) and Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) were assessed based on colorimetric and qRT-PCR methods, respectively. The results indicated that AgNPs can significantly reduce the viability of 5637 cells in a dose-dependent mode as well as having the ability to elevate ROS production. Flow cytometry data showed that AgNPs lead to a remarkable increase in the apoptosis rate as compared with the control. Consistent with this, the induction of apoptosis was revealed by the overexpression of Bax, accompanied by a reduction in Bcl-2 expression compared to the control. Furthermore, AgNPs remarkably stimulated caspase 3,7 activation. In summary, AgNPs can mediate apoptosis in 5637 cells via excessive ROS formation, up-regulating Bax/Bcl-2 expression, and caspase 3,7 activation.

Recent Developments in Metallic Nanomaterials for Cancer Therapy, Diagnosing and Imaging Applications

Cancer continues to represent a global health concern, imposing an ongoing need to research for better treatment alternatives. In this context, nanomedicine seems to be the solution to existing problems, bringing unprecedented results in various biomedical applications, including cancer therapy, diagnosing, and imaging. As numerous studies have uncovered the advantageous properties of various nanoscale metals, this review aims to present metal-based nanoparticles that are most frequently employed for cancer applications. This paper follows the description of relevant nanoparticles made of metals, metal derivatives, hybrids, and alloys, further discussing in more detail their potential applications in cancer management, ranging from the delivery of chemotherapeutics, vaccines, and genes to ablative hyperthermia therapies and theranostic platforms.

Synthesis, Characterization and Biomedical Application of Silver Nanoparticles

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been employed in various fields of biotechnology due to their proven properties as an antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agent. AgNPs are generally synthesized through chemical, physical and biological approaches involving a myriad of methods. As each approach confers unique advantages and challenges, a trends analysis of literature for the AgNPs synthesis using different types of synthesis were also reviewed through a bibliometric approach. A sum of 10,278 publications were analyzed on the annual numbers of publication relating to AgNPs and biological, chemical or physical synthesis from 2010 to 2020 using Microsoft Excel applied to the Scopus publication database. Furthermore, another bibliometric clustering and mapping software were used to study the occurrences of author keywords on the biomedical applications of biosynthesized AgNPs and a total collection of 224 documents were found, sourced from articles, reviews, book chapters, conference papers and reviews. AgNPs provides an excellent, dependable, and effective solution for seven major concerns: as antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, bone healing, bone cement, dental applications and wound healing. In recent years, AgNPs have been employed in biomedical sector due to their antibacterial, antiviral and anticancer properties. This review discussed on the types of synthesis, how AgNPs are characterized and their applications in biomedical field.