Three-dimensional (3D) pancreatic β-cell models reveal insulin-secretion enhancing potential of green synthesized...

This study synthesized silver nanoparticles using cherry stem aqueous extract (Cs-AgNPs) and evaluated their physicochemical properties, cytotoxic effects on pancreatic β-cell lines, antioxidant activity, and their potential to enhance insulin secretion in 3D pancreatic β-cell models. Cs-AgNPs were synthesized via a reaction between cherry stem extract and silver nitrate, confirmed through color change and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Characterization using EDS, TEM, and XRD revealed spherical nanoparticles with a crystalline structure, sizes ranging from 10.93 to 31.18 nm, and an average size of 26.67 nm. Biological assessments showed dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on pancreatic β-cell lines, with reduced viability observed at ≥2 μg/mL for INS-1 cells and ≥5 μg/mL for RINm5F cells. Antioxidant activity was confirmed through ABTS assay, with an IC₅₀ value of 78.81 μg/mL. Functional studies on 3D pancreatic β-cell spheroids revealed a significant 1.6-fold increase in insulin secretion in RINm5F cells (p = 0.0166) and a modest 1.2-fold increase in INS-1 cells. The results highlight the antioxidant properties and insulin secretion enhancement potential of Cs-AgNPs, suggesting their promise for diabetes-related applications. Further research is recommended to explore their therapeutic benefits and expand their biomedical utility.