Cytotoxic Effect of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by Green Methods in Cancer
Mariana Morais1,2,3, Ana Luísa Teixeira1, Francisca Dias1,3
1Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
Abstract:
Cancer is a major public health problem, but despite the several treatment approaches available, patients develop resistance in short time periods, making overcoming resistance or finding more efficient treatments an imperative challenge. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been described as an alternative option due to their physicochemical properties. The scope of this review was to systematize the available scientific information concerning these characteristics in AgNPs synthesized according to green chemistry's recommendations as well as their cytotoxicity in different cancer models. This is the first paper analyzing, correlating, and summarizing AgNPs' main parameters that modulate their cellular effect, including size, shape, capping, and surface plasmon resonance profile, dose range, and exposure time. It highlights the strong dependence of AgNPs' cytotoxic effects on their characteristics and tumor model, making evident the strong need of standardization and full characterization. AgNPs' application in oncology research is a new, open, and promising field and needs additional studies.
Insights
Green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) show promise as cancer treatments, but their effectiveness significantly depends on their specific characteristics and the cancer model used. Further research and standardization are crucial for their application in oncology.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer treatment resistance necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess unique physicochemical properties relevant for biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and systematize information on green-synthesized AgNPs.
- To correlate AgNP characteristics with their cytotoxicity in various cancer models.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on green chemistry-synthesized AgNPs.
- Analysis of AgNP parameters: size, shape, capping, surface plasmon resonance.
- Correlation of dose and exposure time with cellular effects.
Main Results:
- Cytotoxicity of AgNPs is highly dependent on their physical and chemical characteristics.
- The specific cancer model significantly influences AgNP efficacy.
- This study is the first to comprehensively analyze and correlate these modulating factors.
Conclusions:
- Standardization and thorough characterization of AgNPs are essential for reliable application in cancer research.
- Green-synthesized AgNPs represent a promising, yet under-explored, avenue in oncology.
- Additional research is required to fully realize the potential of AgNPs in cancer therapy.
