Synthesis and Characterization of Triphala-functionalized Gold Nanocomposite and its Anti-proliferative Implications

Jyotishman Tamuli1, Khemnath Patir2, Sarbani Giri3

  • 1Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, 788011, India.

Insights

A novel Triphala-functionalized gold nanocomposite (t-AuNC) shows significant anti-cancer effects against liver cancer cells. This natural product-based therapy demonstrates potential for effective liver cancer treatment with fewer side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

  • Liver cancer poses a significant global health challenge, marked by high mortality rates and limited effective treatments.
  • Conventional therapies for liver cancer face limitations, driving the need for innovative therapeutic strategies.
  • Natural product-based metal nanocomposites offer a promising avenue for targeted and biocompatible drug delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize and characterize a Triphala-functionalized gold nanocomposite (t-AuNC) for targeted liver cancer therapy.
  • To evaluate the anti-proliferative, apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of the synthesized t-AuNC.
  • To assess the potential of t-AuNC as a novel therapeutic agent for liver cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis of t-AuNC using Triphala extract and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).
  • Characterization of t-AuNC using techniques like TEM, DLS, UV-visible spectroscopy, XRD, zeta potential, FT-IR, and EDX analysis.
  • In vitro evaluation of anti-proliferative activity (MTT, SRB assays), apoptosis induction (flow cytometry), antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS assays), and anti-inflammatory properties (protein denaturation inhibition) against HepG2 liver cancer cells.

Main Results:

  • Successful synthesis and characterization of stable t-AuNC were confirmed.
  • t-AuNC exhibited significant anti-proliferative effects against the HepG2 liver cancer cell line.
  • t-AuNC induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells and demonstrated notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Conclusions:

  • The synthesized Triphala-functionalized gold nanocomposite (t-AuNC) shows significant potential as an effective therapeutic agent for liver cancer.
  • t-AuNC possesses anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting a multi-faceted therapeutic approach.
  • This natural product-based nanocomposite offers a promising strategy for developing novel liver cancer treatments with potentially minimized side effects.