Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 31, 2025
Anticancer Metal Complexes: Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Evaluation by the MTT Assay
Published on: November 10, 2013
A Systematic Review of Biosynthesized Metallic Nanoparticles as a Promising Anti-Cancer-Strategy
Anisa Andleeb1, Aneeta Andleeb2, Salman Asghar3
1Plant Cell and Tissue Culture Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan.
Abstract:
Cancer is one of the foremost causes of death worldwide. Cancer develops because of mutation in genes that regulate normal cell cycle and cell division, thereby resulting in uncontrolled division and proliferation of cells. Various drugs have been used to treat cancer thus far; however, conventional chemotherapeutic drugs have lower bioavailability, rapid renal clearance, unequal delivery, and severe side effects. In the recent years, nanotechnology has flourished rapidly and has a multitude of applications in the biomedical field. Bio-mediated nanoparticles (NPs) are cost effective, safe, and biocompatible and have got substantial attention from researchers around the globe. Due to their safe profile and fewer side effects, these nanoscale materials offer a promising cure for cancer. Currently, various metallic NPs have been designed to cure or diagnose cancer; among these, silver (Ag), gold (Au), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are the leading anti-cancer NPs. The anticancer potential of these NPs is attributed to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cellular compartments that eventually leads to activation of autophagic, apoptotic and necrotic death pathways. In this review, we summarized the recent advancements in the biosynthesis of Ag, Au, Zn and Cu NPs with emphasis on their mechanism of action. Moreover, nanotoxicity, as well as the future prospects and opportunities of nano-therapeutics, are also highlighted.
Insights
Bio-mediated metallic nanoparticles (NPs) offer a promising, safer alternative to conventional cancer treatments. These nanoparticles, including silver, gold, zinc, and copper, combat cancer by inducing cell death pathways.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Nanotechnology
- Cancer Research
- Materials Science
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading global cause of death, with conventional chemotherapy exhibiting limitations like poor bioavailability and severe side effects.
- Nanotechnology offers innovative solutions in biomedicine, with bio-mediated nanoparticles (NPs) emerging as safe, cost-effective, and biocompatible alternatives.
- Metallic NPs, specifically silver (Ag), gold (Au), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), are gaining attention for their anti-cancer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the biosynthesis of Ag, Au, Zn, and Cu NPs for cancer therapy.
- To elucidate the anti-cancer mechanisms of these metallic NPs, focusing on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.
- To highlight nanotoxicity, future prospects, and opportunities in nano-therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in the biosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles (Ag, Au, Zn, Cu).
- Analysis of the mechanisms of action of these NPs in cancer treatment, including ROS generation.
- Evaluation of nanotoxicity and future potential of nano-therapeutics.
Main Results:
- Bio-mediated metallic NPs (Ag, Au, Zn, Cu) demonstrate significant anti-cancer potential.
- The anti-cancer effects are primarily mediated by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggering autophagic, apoptotic, and necrotic cell death pathways.
- These NPs present a safer profile with fewer side effects compared to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs.
Conclusions:
- Bio-synthesized metallic nanoparticles represent a promising frontier in cancer nano-therapeutics.
- Understanding their mechanisms of action and addressing nanotoxicity are crucial for clinical translation.
- Further research into nano-therapeutics holds significant potential for improved cancer treatment strategies.
