Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2025
Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles
Published on: December 1, 2016
Apoptotic efficiency of Dicoma anomala biosynthesized silver nanoparticles against A549 lung cancer cells
Alexander Chota1, Blassan P George1, Heidi Abrahamse1
1Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 1711, Doornfontein, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa.
Abstract:
Lung cancer is one of the common forms of cancer that affects both men and women and is regarded as the leading cause of cancer related deaths. It is characterized by unregulated cell division of altered cells within the lung tissues. Green nanotechnology is a promising therapeutic option that is adopted in cancer research. Dicoma anomala (D. anomala) is one of the commonly used African medicinal plant in the treatment of different medical conditions including cancer. In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using D. anomala MeOH root extract. We evaluated the anticancer efficacy of the synthesized AgNPs as an individual treatment as well as in combination with pheophorbide a (PPBa) mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) in vitro. UV-VIS spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used to confirm the formation of D.A AgNPs. Post 24 h treatment, A549 cells were evaluated for ATP proliferation, morphological changes supported by LIVE/DEAD assay, and caspase activities. All experiments were repeated four times (n=4), with findings being analysed using SPSS statistical software version 27 set at 0.95 confidence interval. The results from the present study revealed a dose-dependent decrease in cell proliferation in both individual and combination therapy of PPBa mediated PDT and D.A AgNPs on A549 lung cancer cells with significant morphological changes. Additionally, LIVE/DEAD assay displayed a significant increase in the number of dead cell population in individual treatments (i.e., IC50's treated A549 cells) as well as in combination therapy. In conclusion, the findings from this study demonstrated the anticancer efficacy of green synthesized AgNPs as a mono-therapeutic drug as well as in combination with a chlorophyll derivative PPBa in PDT. Taken together, the findings highlight the therapeutic potential of green nanotechnology in medicine.
Insights
Green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Dicoma anomala show significant anticancer effects against lung cancer cells. These AgNPs are effective both alone and when combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT) for enhanced cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally.
- Green nanotechnology offers a promising therapeutic avenue for cancer treatment.
- Dicoma anomala is a traditional African medicinal plant with known anti-cancer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Dicoma anomala root extract.
- To evaluate the in vitro anticancer efficacy of these AgNPs alone and in combination with pheophorbide a (PPBa)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) against A549 lung cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using Dicoma anomala (D. anomala) methanol root extract.
- Characterization of D.A AgNPs was performed using UV-VIS spectroscopy, HR-TEM, SEM, and EDS.
- Anticancer efficacy was assessed by evaluating ATP proliferation, morphological changes (LIVE/DEAD assay), and caspase activity in A549 cells.
Main Results:
- The synthesis of D.A AgNPs was confirmed through spectroscopic and microscopic analyses.
- A dose-dependent decrease in A549 cell proliferation was observed with both individual and combination therapies.
- Significant morphological changes and an increased dead cell population were noted in treated cells, particularly in combination therapy.
Conclusions:
- Green synthesized AgNPs from D. anomala exhibit significant anticancer efficacy as a monotherapy.
- The combination of D.A AgNPs with PPBa-mediated PDT enhances anticancer effects on lung cancer cells.
- These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of green nanotechnology in cancer treatment.
More Related Videos
09:09Synthesis of Aptamer-PEI-g-PEG Modified Gold Nanoparticles Loaded with Doxorubicin for Targeted Drug Delivery
Published on: June 23, 2020
11:19Synthesis of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Modified with Silver Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Antibacterial Activities and Cytotoxic Properties
Published on: May 10, 2018