Glucose capped silver nanoparticles induce cell cycle arrest in HeLa cells.

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Cell Biology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are explored for biomedical applications.
• Green synthesis methods offer safer nanoparticle production.
• Understanding nanoparticle-cell interactions is crucial for therapeutic development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the uptake and biological effects of glucose-capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-G) on HeLa cells.
• To determine the dose- and time-dependent toxicity of AgNPs-G.
• To evaluate the impact of AgNPs-G on cell viability and cell cycle progression.

Main Methods:

• Green synthesis of spherical AgNPs (30±5nm) using glucose.
• Incubation of HeLa cells with AgNPs-G at varying concentrations (2×10^3 or 2×10^4 NPs/cell) and times (up to 48h).
• Assessment of cell viability, cell cycle distribution, and mitotic index; dissolution experiments to confirm AgNPs-G stability.

Main Results:

• HeLa cells exhibited rapid and abundant uptake of AgNPs-G.
• AgNPs-G demonstrated dose- and time-dependent toxicity.
• Cell cycle arrest at S and G2/M phases, increased subG1 population, and decreased mitotic index were observed at higher concentrations.
• Dissolution studies confirmed that observed effects were due to intact AgNPs-G, not released Ag+ ions.

Conclusions:

• Glucose-capped silver nanoparticles induce toxicity and alter cell cycle progression in HeLa cells.
• The observed effects are attributed to the nanoparticles themselves, not released silver ions.
• AgNPs-G show promise for developing novel antiproliferative treatments in cancer therapy.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the cell cycle influence on AgNPs-G uptake and entry mechanisms.