Acalypha indica Linn: Biogenic synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles and their cytotoxic effects against MDA-MB-231, human breast cancer cells

• Published in: Biotechnology reports (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Netherlands), 2014-12, Vol.4 (C), p.42-49
• Main Authors: Krishnaraj, C, Muthukumaran, P, Ramachandran, R, Balakumaran, M D, Kalaichelvan, P T
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acalypha indica; Gold nanoparticles; MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells; Silver nanoparticles
• ISSN: 2215-017X; 2215-017X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2014.08.002

This study reports the cytotoxic effect of biologically synthesized silver and gold nanoparticles against MDA-MB-231, human breast cancer cells. Formation of silver and gold nanoparticles was observed within 30 min and the various characterization techniques such as UV-vis spectrophotometer, FE-SEM, TEM and XRD studies were confirmed the synthesis of nanoparticles. Further, MTT, acridine orange and ethidium bromide (AO/EB) dual staining, caspase-3 and DNA fragmentation assays were carried out using various concentrations of silver and gold nanoparticles ranging from 1 to 100 μg/ml. At 100 μg/ml concentration, the plant extract derived nanoparticles exhibited significant cytotoxic effects and the apoptotic features were confirmed through caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation assays. Thus, the results of the present study indicate that biologically synthesized silver and gold nanoparticles might be used to treat breast cancer; however, it necessitates clinical studies to ascertain their potential as anticancer agents.