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Updated: Oct 25, 2025
Anticancer Metal Complexes: Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Evaluation by the MTT Assay
Published on: November 10, 2013
Biological synthesis, characterization of three metal-based nanoparticles and their anticancer activities against
Madiha Younas1, Muhammad Rizwan2, Muhammad Zubair1
1Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, 38000 Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Abstract:
Treatment of liver cancer has always been a challenge for clinicians and development of appropriate drug against hepatocellular carcinoma is the major focus for researchers working in the field. The synthesis of metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) by green method for pharmacological uses has attained considerable attention recently. In current study three different NPs (AgO2, CeO2, CuO2) were synthesized by using Trianthima portulacastrum and Chinopodium quinoa leaf extracts. These biogenic NPs were analyzed by High-tech. approaches including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscope, SEM-EDS spot analysis, elemental mapping and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The anticancer potential of these nanoparticles was estimated using MTT assay, against hepatic cancer cell line (HepG2). SEM secondary electron images presented the nano size of prepared particles in agglomerated form with few porous forms. Average size of Ag-, Ce-, and CuNPs was observed 19-24 nm, 8-12 nm, 13-15 nm respectively. Elemental mapping and EDS-spot analysis ratifies the formation of AgNPs, CeNPs, and CuNPs. These NPs have shown good anticancer activity at different concentrations against HepG2 cell line. Further studies are however needed to identify the molecular mechanisms of these anticancer activities.
Insights
Green synthesized silver, cerium, and copper oxide nanoparticles show anticancer potential against liver cancer cells (HepG2). Further research is needed to understand their molecular mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Pharmacology
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma Research
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) treatment remains a clinical challenge.
- Development of effective drugs against hepatocellular carcinoma is a key research focus.
- Green synthesis of metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) for pharmacological applications is gaining attention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize silver oxide (AgO2), cerium oxide (CeO2), and copper oxide (CuO2) nanoparticles using green methods.
- To characterize the synthesized biogenic nanoparticles.
- To evaluate the anticancer potential of these nanoparticles against the HepG2 liver cancer cell line.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of AgO2, CeO2, and CuO2 nanoparticles using Trianthima portulacastrum and Chinopodium quinoa leaf extracts.
- Characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, elemental mapping, and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
- Anticancer activity evaluation via MTT assay on HepG2 cells.
Main Results:
- SEM analysis confirmed the nano-size of particles (AgNPs: 19-24 nm, CeNPs: 8-12 nm, CuNPs: 13-15 nm) in agglomerated and porous forms.
- EDX and elemental mapping confirmed the successful formation of AgNPs, CeNPs, and CuNPs.
- The synthesized nanoparticles demonstrated significant anticancer activity against HepG2 cells at various concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Biogenic silver, cerium, and copper oxide nanoparticles synthesized using plant extracts exhibit promising anticancer properties against hepatocellular carcinoma.
- These nanoparticles represent a potential therapeutic strategy for liver cancer.
- Further investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying their anticancer effects is warranted.
