Anticancer efficacy of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles loaded with recombinant truncated parasporin-2 protein

Monrudee Srisaisap1, Panadda Boonserm2

  • 1Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Phuttamonthon, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand.

Scientific Reports
|July 5, 2024
PubMed

Insights

This study developed novel nanotoxins using silver nanoparticles loaded with a bacterial toxin to target and destroy T-cell leukemia cells, offering a promising alternative cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Nanomedicine
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Bacillus thuringiensis parasporal proteins, like Parasporin-2 (PS2Aa1), show selective toxicity towards cancer cells.
  • Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) offer versatile biomedical applications due to advancements in synthesis.
  • Combining these offers a novel approach to targeted cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and characterize a novel nanotoxin (PS2-MOEAgNPs) by loading N-terminal truncated PS2Aa1 toxin onto biosynthesized silver nanoparticles.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of PS2-MOEAgNPs against T-cell leukemia cell lines.
  • To assess the safety profile of PS2-MOEAgNPs on normal cells.

Main Methods:

  • Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (MOEAgNPs) using Moringa oleifera leaf extract and maltose.
  • Phytochemical analysis of Moringa oleifera leaf extract via GC-MS.
  • Loading of maltose-binding protein-fused N-terminal truncated PS2Aa1 (MBP-tPS2) onto MOEAgNPs to create PS2-MOEAgNPs.
  • Evaluation of PS2-MOEAgNPs for size, stability, toxin loading, and in vitro cytotoxicity.

Main Results:

  • PS2-MOEAgNPs were successfully synthesized and characterized.
  • The nanotoxin demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity against MOLT-4 and Jurkat T-cell leukemia lines.
  • Minimal cytotoxic effects were observed on normal Hs68 fibroblast cells.

Conclusions:

  • PS2-MOEAgNPs effectively inhibit T-cell leukemia cell proliferation.
  • This novel nanotoxin presents potential as an alternative to conventional anticancer treatments.
  • The study highlights the promise of combining bacterial toxins with nanotechnology for cancer therapy.