Synthesis and Characterization of Biocompatible Silver Nanoparticles for Anticancer Application

A double-edged sword effect of silver nanoparticles on angiogenesis in 4T1 breast cancer-bearing mice

BACKGROUND

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are increasingly known to have anticancer effects, but few studies have examined their adverse effects, so the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. The current study investigated the critical influence of AgNPs on angiogenesis in 4T1 breast cancer-bearing mice.

METHODS

The sub-lethal dose of AgNPs (0.25 mg/kg) was carried out. Female BALB/c mice (N = 35) were divided into 7 groups; normal control, cancer control, AgNPs control (one dose of (0.25 mg/kg) AgNPs), single dose AgNPs before cancer, single dose AgNPs after cancer, 5 doses AgNPs after cancer, and doxorubicin. 4T1 breast cancer cell induction was performed subcutaneously on the left flank. Intraperitoneal (IP) administration of AgNPs and doxorubicin was carried out for all studied groups.

RESULTS

Weight gain was normal in all study groups except the doxorubicin-treated group. Administering AgNPs before cancer induction promotes tumorigenesis, raises MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity, and increases CD31 and Ki67 expression. The cancer control group experienced the same outcomes. On the other hand, depending on the administered doses, the injection of AgNPs after tumor induction resulted in a notable decrease in tumor volume. In the doxorubicin-treated group, similar results were observed, while a dose of AgNPs‌ before cancer induction lead to increasing tumor volume compared to the cancer control group. The differences of biochemical markers including LDH, ALP, AST, ALT, BUN, and Cr between different groups were not significant. Significant differences were seen among all studied groups except doxorubicin and single dose AgNPs before cancer groups for serum TAC levels.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that AgNPs are considered a double-edged sword in the fight against cancer. AgNPs not only have anti-cancer effects on tumor size and angiogenesis, but they also might have cancer-stimulating roles. To confirm this conclusion, more detailed investigations are needed.

Metal Nanoparticles Produced Using Autotrophs and Their Bioproducts: A Comparative Overview between Photosynthesizing Taxonomic Groups

Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) exhibit unique properties influenced by their size, shape, and dispersion uniformity. They can be synthesized via chemical methods or green synthesis, commonly using plant or microorganism extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents. This eco-friendly approach is valued, but the literature is unclear about which taxonomic groups should be targeted to obtain certain types of MNPs. Given the ongoing growth of research in this area, this study offers a comparative overview that helps identify patterns and gaps in the current knowledge. This study reviewed 485 articles, describing 652 monometallic and 10 bimetallic nanoparticles synthesized using photosynthesizing organisms' extracts. Angiosperms and cyanobacteria were the most utilized groups. Silver and gold nanoparticles were the most studied MNPs. Gold nanoparticles' size varied with taxonomic groups, but they were smaller than the silver nanoparticles synthesized by the same group. Antimicrobial activity was the most common application, highlighting the potential of green-synthesized MNPs. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing sustainable nanoparticle production since knowledge about the specificities of different photosynthesizing taxa can be useful for directing efforts and enhancing the efficiency and precision of green-synthesized MNPs.

Sustainable green synthesis of Hedychium coronarium leaf extract-stabilized silver nanoparticles and their applications: colorimetric sensing of Sn2+ and Hg2+ and antifungal and antimicrobial properties

Hedychium coronarium (Hc) (commonly known as Gulbakawali) leaf extract was used for the stable and sustainable green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Hc-AgNPs), which were biodegradable and non-toxic. Hedychium coronarium leaf extract was used as a reducing agent to stabilize the Hc-AgNPs by converting Ag+ to Ag0 without adding any capping agent. It demonstrated stability for up to six months, and no agglomeration was observed. The Hc-AgNPs were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, and fluorescence spectroscopy analysis. The UV-visible spectrum supported the formation of stable Hc-AgNPs by displaying a strong surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 440 nm. FT-IR spectra showed the functional groups present in the leaf extract of Hedychium coronarium, which was the primary source of secondary metabolites attached to Ag0. XRD analysis revealed a distinct 2θ peak of Hc-AgNPs at 38.15°, indicating a face-centred cubic structure with a crystallite size of 22.6 ± 1 nm at the (111) plane. Moreover, TEM demonstrated the spherical morphology of the Hc-AgNPs with an average particle size of 22.42 ± 1 nm. The photophysical characteristics of the Hc-AgNPs, as highlighted by their UV-vis and fluorescence characteristics, revealed their semiconducting nature with an impressive band gap (E g) value of 3.78 eV. Fascinatingly, the fluorescence activity of Hc-AgNPs at 504 nm showed a broad emission band corresponding to the absorption band at 251 nm. We performed the selective colorimetric sensing of Sn2+ metal ions using Hc-AgNPs, which demonstrated a detection limit of 10-3 M, suggesting their potential as very good solid biosensors. Interestingly, the Hc-AgNPs showed antifungal activity, which has not been reported before. Specifically, the results showed that the Hc-AgNPs had a higher fungitoxicity effect against Aspergillus flavus (59.58 ± 3.68) than against Fusarium oxysporum (57.93 ± 4.18). The antibacterial activity of the Hc-AgNPs was evaluated against three Gram-negative phytopathogenic bacteria: Xanthomonas oryzae (X. oryzae), Ralstonia solanacearum (R. solanacearum), and Erwinia carotovora (E. carotovora), showing effective inhibition zones of 16.33 ± 0.57, 15.33 ± 0.57, and 14.33 ± 0.57 mm, respectively. These results indicate that the Hc-AgNPs could inhibit these phytopathogenic bacteria with varying degrees of effectiveness in the order of X. oryzae > R. solanacearum > E. carotovora.

1-D MOF [Ag2(C10H10N3O3S)2(C4H8N)2]n: photocatalytic treatment, crystallographic evaluation, ADMET parameters, CT-DNA and anticancer activity

Newly synthesized dinuclear crystalline polymer, the silver complex of bidentate Sulfamethoxazole (Ag-SMX) in the presence of secondary ligand pyrrolidine has been characterized by elemental, spectral (1H-NMR spectra, FT-IR spectra, UV-Vis spectra.), powder XRD, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (single-crystal) analysis. The synthesis molecular structure of the dinuclear [Ag2(C10H10N3O3S)2(C4H8N)2]n complex reveals a one-dimensional polymeric chain with seesaw geometry (τ4 = 0.71): two silvers interlink each other by argentophilic interaction with Ag1…Ag2 separation distance of 3.0047(6) Å. The Hirshfeld surfaces (HS) and 2D fingerprint plots were used to examine the interconnects in the crystal packing. Molecule properties including MEP, MPA, HOMO-LUMO energy, and global reactivity descriptor parameters were computed to understand the molecule's stability. From ADMET parameters, human Intestinal Absorbance data revealed that the compound has the potential to be well absorbed, and also Ag-smx complex cannot cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The capacity of the silver complex to interact with CtDNA was investigated using absorption spectroscopy and viscosity tests. The interaction between CT-DNA reveals that the Ag-SMX complex exhibits the strongest binding affinity among all known sulfonamide derivatives and their metal complexes. The silver complex has higher inhibitory action than the free SMX ligand, according to data from a panel of gram (+ve) and gram (-ve) organisms' minimum inhibitory concentrations. In vitro cytotoxicity investigation revealed that the IC50 value for Ag-SMX is 57.12 g/mL and for SMX is 100.90 g/mL against human lung cancer cell line (A549). This study revealed that, when compared to SMX free-ligand, Ag-SMX is the most effective in terms of cytotoxicity toward the human lung cancer cell line (A549 cell line). In under 120 min, the synthesized Ag-smx complex showed exceptional photo-degradation characteristics against methylene blue (MB) (10 ppm) in visible light radiation.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Spectral and structure characterization of Ferula assafoetida fabricated silver nanoparticles and evaluation of its cytotoxic, and photocatalytic competence

This study aims to develop an eco-friendly method for rapidly synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Asafoetida ethanol extracts and to validate AgNPs synthesis using UV-vis spectroscopy (absorption spectrum), FTIR (functional groups), XRD (crystallinity), FE-SEM (size of the particles) and SEM-EDAX (Purity). Furthermore, to evaluate the anti-proliferative effect of Ag NPs against grown cultured L6 cell lines, studies have shown that AgNPs biosynthesis inhibits cancer cell growth compared to control cell lines. UV-vis absorption verified the existence of Ag NPs, and the spectrum was observed at 480 nm. Functional groups are present in the synthesized Ag NPs were shifted on 528.48 cm-1 confirmed using an FT-IR spectrum. Consequently, anti-cancer efficacy observed the IC50 value of As Ag NPs against L6 cells was 1.0 μg/mL for 48 h. Finally, using a halogen lamp, studies explored the photocatalytic degradation of AgNPs against the methylene blue radioactive dye and achieved a 96 percent degradation rate in 90 min. Asafoetida mediated silver nanoparticles show grater photodegradation for methylene blue dye, which is present in textile industries, when exposed to solar light, and it has a wide range of potential applications in wastewater treatment. As a whole, biosynthesized silver nanoparticles showed excellent cytotoxic, antioxidant, and photocatalytic dye degradation effects.

UV-Light Mediated Biosynthesis of Silver Nanowires; Characterization, Dye Degradation Potential and Kinetic Studies

Herrin, a simple and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of silver nanowires (Ag-NWs) has been reported. Silver nanowires were synthesized using Psidium guajava seed extract that acted as a reducing agent as well as a stabilizing agent for silver nitrate solution. Synthesis was carried out at 50 °C temperature under continuous UV-irradiation. Silver nanowires were initially characterized by a UV-visible and FTIR spectrophotometer. In addition, morphology and particle size of synthesized Ag-NWs were determined using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Nanowires were found to have 12.8 μm length and 200–500 nm diameter and cubic phase morphology. Furthermore, the catalytic potential of Ag-NWs for the degradation of methyl orange dye (MO) was determined. The selected dye was degraded successfully that confirmed the catalytic potential of Ag-NWs. The authors concluded that Ag-NWs can be synthesized using plant extract having excellent morphological features as well as impressive catalytic potential.

Green synthesized plant-based silver nanoparticles: therapeutic prospective for anticancer and antiviral activity

Nanotechnology holds an emerging domain of medical science as it can be utilized virtually in all areas. Phyto-constituents are valuable and encouraging candidates for synthesizing green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which possess great potentials toward chronic diseases. This review gives an overview of the Green approach of AgNPs synthesis and its characterization. The present review further explores the potentials of Phyto-based AgNPs toward anticancer and antiviral activity including its probable mechanism of action. Green synthesized AgNPs prepared by numerous medicinal plants extract are critically reviewed for cancer and viral infection. Thus, this article mainly highlights green synthesized Phyto-based AgNPs with their potential applications for cancer and viral infection including mechanism of action and therapeutic future prospective in a single window.

Biogenesis of silver nanoparticles to treat cancer, diabetes, and microbial infections: a mechanistic overview

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) by harnessing the natural abilities of plant secondary metabolites has advantages over routine physical and chemical synthetic approaches due to their one-step experimental setup to reduce and stabilize the bulk silver into SNPs, biocompatible nature, and therapeutic significance. The unique size, shape, and biochemical functional corona of SNPs embellish them with the potential to perform therapeutic actions by adopting various mechanistic approaches including but not limited to the disruption of the electron transport chain, mitochondrial damage, DNA fragmentation, inhibition of ATP synthase activity, disorganization of the cell membrane, suspension of cellular signaling pathways, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of enzymes activity. This review elaborates the biogenic synthesis of SNPs in redox chemical reactions by using plant secondary metabolites found in plant extracts. In addition, it explains the synergistic influence of physicochemical reaction parameters such as the temperature, pH, the concentration of the AgNO₃, and the ratio of reactants to affect the reaction kinetics, molecular mechanics, enzymatic catalysis, and protein conformations that aid to affect the size, shape, and potential biochemical corona of nanoparticles. This review also provides up-to-date information on the mechanistic actions that embellish the plant-based SNPs, an anticancer, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant potential. The mechanistic understanding of the therapeutic actions of SNPs will help in precision medicine to develop customized treatment and healthcare approaches for the welfare of the human population. KEY POINTS: • Significance of the biogenic nanoparticles • Biomedical application potential of the plant-based silver nanoparticles • Mechanism of the anticancer, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial actions of the plant-based silver nanoparticles.

Biosynthesis, Characterization, and Biological Activities of Procyanidin Capped Silver Nanoparticles

In this study, procyanidin dimers and Leucosidea sericea total extract (LSTE) were employed in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Visible) spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. AgNPs of about 2–7 nm were obtained. DLS and stability evaluations confirmed that the AgNPs/procyanidins conjugates were stable. The formed nanoparticles exhibited good inhibitory activities against the two enzymes studied. The IC₅₀ values against the amylase enzyme were 14.92 ± 1.0, 13.24 ± 0.2, and 19.13 ± 0.8 µg/mL for AgNPs coordinated with LSTE, F1, and F2, respectively. The corresponding values for the glucosidase enzyme were 21.48 ± 0.9, 18.76 ± 1.0, and 8.75 ± 0.7 µg/mL. The antioxidant activities were comparable to those of the intact fractions. The AgNPs also demonstrated bacterial inhibitory activities against six bacterial species. While the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of F1-AgNPs against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were 31.25 and 15.63 µg/mL respectively, those of LSTE-AgNPs and F2-AgNPs against these organisms were both 62.50 µg/mL. The F1-AgNPs demonstrated a better bactericidal effect and may be useful in food packaging. This research also showed the involvement of the procyanidins as reducing and capping agents in the formation of stable AgNPs with potential biological applications.

Anti-Leukemia Activity of Au/CuO/ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized used Verbena officinalis Extract

As biological synthesis has become an alternative to chemical and physical methods for synthesizing nanoparticles, this work describes the synthesis of Au/CuO/ZnO nanoparticles using Verbena officinalis extract. The synthesized Au/CuO/ZnO nanoparticles were characterized using Ultraviolet–Visible, Fourier Transform-Infrared, Transmission Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy. The influence of Au/CuO/ZnO nanoparticles on cell viability was evaluated in vitro, using the established cell line – Jurkat (ATCC® TIB-152™). The Annexin V binding test confirmed the previous results of the MTT assay, which indicate that the studied complex of Au/CuO/ZnO nanoparticles has a strong cytotoxic effect on the Jurkat cell line. The type of death and the effectiveness of cell elimination depended both on the concentration of the complex and the duration of culture.

One-pot phytosynthesis of nano-silver from Mentha longifolia L.: their characterization and evaluation of photodynamic potential

The present study deals with the ecofriendly one-pot synthesis and stabilization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by using aqueous extract of Mentha longifolia branches. Spectrophotometric analysis of different ratios of reactants revealed that a 1 to 9 ratio of plant extract and silver salt solution respectively is the most suitable proportion for synthesis. Synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed initially by the observation of change in the color of the reaction mixture which was carried out at 60 °C by using 3 mM of silver salt and the pH of the reaction medium was maintained at 5.22. A characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band was observed at 495 nm of light wavelength. SEM images revealed that the nanoparticles are in ∼20–80 nm and are anisotropic and nearly spherical while EDX analysis showed the presence of elemental Ag with ∼90% signal intensity. Size distribution analysis of AgNPs was performed by dynamic light scattering technique and AgNPs were found in the range of ∼8–30 nm. ROS quantification revealed that the AgNPs have a quantum yield of 0.09 Φ which provides them the ability to proteolytically treat cancer and other microbial pathogenic cells. AgNPs did not report any photothermal activity to be used as photodynamic agents. These findings explain the redox potential of M. longifolia to bio-fabricate AgNPs and their abilities to generate ROS may help to curb dreading diseases.