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.