A new biocompatible silver/polypyrrole composite with in vitro antitumor activity
Elton Marlon de Araújo Lima1, Vanderlan Nogueira Holanda2, Gabriela Plautz Ratkovski3
1Pós-graduação em Ciência de Materiais, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Patógenos, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Departamento de Microbiologia, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, 50670-901 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Departamento de Física, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
A new silver nanoparticle-polypyrrole (AgNPs/PPy) composite shows selective anticancer activity against HeLa cells with low toxicity to normal cells. This promising hybrid material demonstrates potential as a novel antitumoral agent.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Developing novel composite materials for biomedical applications is crucial.
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and polypyrrole (PPy) are widely studied for their unique properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a new AgNPs/PPy composite.
- To evaluate the cytotoxic and antitumoral potential of the AgNPs/PPy composite.
Main Methods:
- In situ chemical oxidation for AgNPs/PPy composite synthesis.
- Optimization using a 2^3-factorial design.
- Characterization via UV-Visible, FTIR, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
- Cytotoxicity assessed using MTT assays on various cell lines.
- Hemolytic activity evaluated across different blood groups.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of AgNPs/PPy composite confirmed by spectroscopy.
- TEM revealed AgNPs (<100 nm) dispersed in PPy matrix.
- The composite exhibited blue fluorescence.
- Selective inhibition of HeLa cell viability with low toxicity to fibroblasts, Vero, and macrophages.
- Ultrastructural changes observed in HeLa cells indicate targeted action.
- Hemolytic activity remained below 14% at concentrations up to 125 μg/mL.
Conclusions:
- The AgNPs/PPy composite is successfully synthesized and characterized.
- The composite demonstrates selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells.
- AgNPs/PPy shows promise as a safe and effective antitumoral agent.
