Silver nanoparticles increase cytotoxicity induced by intermediate frequency low voltages

Electrical properties of the cells play a key role in biological processes. Intermediate frequencies of electrical fields influence the cells proliferation without heat generation and electrical stimulation. Silver nanoparticle (SNP) as a metallic agent can change the electrical characteristics of the cells. We study the effect of low voltages at an intermediate frequency (300 kHz) on a human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF7) in the presence of SNPs. At first, cell toxicity of SNPs was determined at different concentrations. Then three different voltages were applied to the cells for 15 min, both in the presence and absence of SNPs. The treatments efficiency was evaluated by MTT assay. The results showed that the intermediate frequency-low voltages with SNPs not only provide an additive efficacy on cytotoxicity, but also a synergism was observed between these factors. By increasing the voltage from 3 to 9 V, a rising synergistic rate was observed. It seems that the synergistic effect between SNPs and the 300 kHz low voltages can inhibit cell proliferation and/or increases cell death of MCF-7, and hence increases treatment efficiency of SNPs, effectively.