Biogenic Metal and Cerium-Doped Nanoparticles from Cissus quadrangularis for Enhanced Anticancer Activity Against Human Breast Cancer Cells
Keywords:
Cissus quadrangularis; Green synthesis; Silver nanoparticles; Gold nanoparticles; Cerium doping; MCF-7 cells; NanomedicineAbstract
The current study aimed at studying the biosynthesis, physiochemical properties, and antitumor activities of silver (Ag), Ce-doped silver (Ag–Ce), gold (Au) and Ce-doped gold (Au–Ce) nanoparticles employing Cissus quadrangularis leaf extract as a bio-mediator. The plant-based synthesis provided an eco-friendly method where the naturally available phytochemicals played a pivotal role in synthesis and stabilization of nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized with the help of FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and DRS spectroscopy for determination of surface functional groups, vibrational characteristics and optical properties, respectively. FTIR spectra confirmed the contribution of functional groups from the plant in the stabilization of the nanoparticles, while Raman spectra exhibited distinct vibrational bands and modifications after doped with Ce. In addition, DRS spectra showed variations in the optical absorption behavior of the synthesized nanoparticles with the inclusion of Ce. The anticancer properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were studied against human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 employing MTT assay. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with Ag, Ag–Ce, Au, and Au–Ce nanoparticles resulted in concentration-dependent reduction in cell viability along with cell morphology modifications such as rounding, shrinking, detaching, and low cell density. Significantly, Ce-doped nanoparticles showed higher cytotoxic activity than that of their respective non-doped nanoparticles. For instance, the illustrative IC₅₀ values demonstrated improved activity of Ag–Ce and Au–Ce over Ag and Au nanoparticles. Thus, the results indicated that C. quadrangularis-mediated synthesis could be used for the sustainable preparation of Ce modified noble metal nanoparticles with promising antitumor activity against MCF-7 cells.
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