Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles via Cynara scolymus leaf extracts: The characterization, anticancer potential with photodynamic therapy in MCF7 cells

PLoS One. 2019 Jun 20;14(6):e0216496. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216496. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

In this study, we report on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the leaf extracts of Cynara scolymus (Artichoke) using microwave irradiation and the evaluation of its anti-cancer potential with photodynamic therapy (PDT). Silver nanoparticles formation was characterized by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Silver nanoparticles formation was also investigated the surface charge, particle size and distribution using zetasizer analysis. The cytotoxic effect of AgNPs and/or PDT was studied by MTT assay and migration by the scratch assay. The apoptotic inducing ability of the AgNPs and/or PDT was investigated by intracellular ROS analysis, antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH), Hoechst staining and Bax/Bcl-2 analysis using western blotting. The mean particle size of produced AgNPs was found 98.47±2.04 nm with low polydispersity (0.301±0.033). Zeta potential values of AgNPs show -32.3± 0.8 mV. These results clearly indicate the successful formation of AgNPs for cellular uptake. Mitochondrial damage and intracellular ROS production were observed upon treatment with AgNPs (10μg/mL) and PDT (0.5 mJ/cm2) showed significant reducing cell migration, expression of Bax and suppression of Bcl-2. Significantly, biosynthesized AgNPs showed a broad-spectrum anti-cancer activity with PDT therapy and therefore represent promoting ROS generation by modulating mitochondrial apoptosis induction in MCF7 breast cancer cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / metabolism
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Apoptosis / radiation effects
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Cell Movement / radiation effects
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cynara scolymus / chemistry*
  • Green Chemistry Technology
  • Humans
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Oxides / chemistry
  • Photochemotherapy*
  • Plant Extracts / metabolism*
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry*
  • Silver / chemistry*
  • Silver / metabolism
  • Silver / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Oxides
  • Plant Extracts
  • Silver

Grants and funding

This work was supported by Adnan Menderes University Research Grant (ADU-MARL-18001, TPF-18012 to OC) and by a partly grant (214Z057 to OC) from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK). The analysis conducted by the Adnan Menderes University Science and Technology Research Center (ADU-BILTEM) is gratefully acknowledged. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.