Microwave-assisted biofabrication of silver nanoparticles using Helichrysum arenarium flower extract: characterization and biomedical applications

• Published in: Biomass conversion and biorefinery 2023-10, Vol.13 (15), p.14211-14223
• Main Authors: Aydin Acar, Cigdem, Pehlivanoglu, Suray, Yesilot, Sukriye, Yakut Uzuner, Sezin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anticancer properties; Antioxidants; Assaying; Biocompatibility; Biomedical materials; Biotechnology; Cancer; Cytotoxicity; E coli; Energy; Hydrogen peroxide; Melanoma; Nanoparticles; Original Article; Renewable and Green Energy; Scavenging; Silver; Synthesis; Toxicity testing
• ISSN: 2190-6815; 2190-6823
• DOI: 10.1007/s13399-023-03833-6

In the treatment of melanoma, the prevention of metastasis and elimination of the risk of infection due to chemotherapy are of great importance. Therefore, the goal of this study was to develop an alternative treatment method with antibacterial properties for melanoma. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were obtained by the biological method using Helichrysum arenarium flower extract in an easy, low-cost, and environmentally friendly manner. Characterization of synthesized AgNPs was performed using a UV-visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The melanoma (SK-MEL-30) cancer cell line was used to determine the anticancer and antimetastatic activity of AgNPs synthesized with H. arenarium (Ha-AgNPs) extract. Cytotoxicity was tested with a fibroblast cell line (L929). Cell viability was determined by MTT assay, antioxidant activity by H 2 O 2 radical scavenging assay, antibacterial activity by the disc diffusion method, and biocompatibility by the hemolysis test. Ha-AgNPs showed a maximum peak at 427 nm absorbance. The elemental composition of Ha-AgNPs was determined by EDS, and the existence of silver was confirmed. The biosynthesized Ha-AgNPs significantly inhibited the growth of medically important pathogenic, Gram-negative multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli , Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus , and Gram-positive multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecalis . MTT assay revealed dose-dependent manner anticancer activity of Ha-AgNPs on SK-MEL-30 (melanoma cancer cell line) cells in the concentration range of 0–100 μg/mL (IC 50 value: 35.52 μg/mL). The cytotoxicity assay on L929 cells revealed no adverse effects of Ha-AgNPs on healthy cells in the concentration range of 0–25 μg/mL (IC 50 : 47.9 μg/mL). Additionally, antioxidant activity and biocompatibility of Ha-AgNPs were evaluated. AgNPs synthesized by H. arenarium have a promising future as a potent anticancer and antimetastatic agent with antibacterial properties. Graphical abstract