Novel light-driven functional AgNPs induce cancer death at extra low concentrations

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Development of novel anticancer agents is crucial for effective cancer therapy.
• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have demonstrated antimicrobial and anticancer properties.
• Bio-hydrogels offer biocompatible platforms for drug delivery and therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a novel light-driven functional AgNPs-bio-hydrogel composite (AgNPs@C_MA_O).
• To evaluate the in-vitro anticancer potency of AgNPs@C_MA_O against human melanoma cells (A375).
• To explore the potential of using harmless white LED (wLED) in synthesizing AgNPs for enhanced therapeutic efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of AgNPs@C_MA_O using a soft white LED (wLED) approach.
• Characterization of the synthesized composite using UV-Vis, DLS, FTIR, X-ray, SEM-EDX, and TEM.
• In-vitro anticancer activity assessment on A375 melanoma cell line, including dose-response and morphological studies.

Main Results:

• The AgNPs@C_MA_O composite was successfully synthesized with an average AgNPs size of 16-18 nm.
• A significant reduction in A375 cell viability was observed: 50% inhibition at 0.01 mg/mL (24h) and 0.005 mg/mL (48h).
• Treated cells exhibited characteristic morphological changes indicative of apoptosis, including shrinkage and membrane damage.

Conclusions:

• This study demonstrates the first use of non-ionizing radiation (wLED) mediated biofunctionalized AgNPs for potent anti-melanoma effects at low concentrations (0.01 mg/mL).
• The wLED approach enhances synergy between biopolymer compounds and AgNPs, boosting the anticancer efficiency of the AgNPs@C_MA_O biohydrogel.
• Colloidally synthesized AgNPs via wLED offer promising avenues for advanced cancer treatments and diagnostics.