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Published on: March 22, 2020
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.
Abstract:
Liver cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide due to its abrupt proliferation and inadequate treatment. Developing novel and effective therapeutics against liver cancer has become a formidable challenge in the arsenal of biomedical research due to the limitations of conventional treatment strategies. Recently, natural product-based metal nanocomposites have emerged as promising candidates for targeted and biocompatible drug delivery. Herein, a Triphala-functionalized gold nanocomposite (t-AuNC) was synthesized employing Triphala extract and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as the precursors to enhance targeted delivery against liver cancer. Different analytical techniques, including TEM, DLS, UV-visible spectroscopy, XRD, zeta potential, FT-IR, and EDX analysis, were used to evaluate the synthesized nanocomposite, confirming its successful formation and stability. The MTT and SRB assays demonstrated the anti-proliferative implications of t-AuNC against the HepG2 cell line. Flow cytometry analysis confirms the induction of apoptosis in the HepG2 cell line by the t-AuNC. Antioxidant analysis using DPPH and ABTS assays showed significant radical scavenging activity of the t-AuNC. Furthermore, the t-AuNC also demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory properties validated by its protein denaturation inhibition. Collectively, these findings highlight that t-AuNC could be a contemporary and efficient medication for liver cancer therapy with minimized side effects.
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.

