Anti-proliferative and apoptotic effect of papaya leaf and green tea mediated silver nanoparticles using HCT-116 colon cancer cells

Abstract

            Recent advancements in the medicinal use of nano compounds have shown promise for cancer treatment. Nanoparticle-based therapies offer significant advantages, including enhanced biodistribution and precise targeting of cancerous cells. The present study explores the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using bio-assisted methods with green tea and papaya leaf extracts. These green-synthesized silver nanoparticles were subsequently evaluated for their anticancer properties in HCT-116 colon cancer cells. The assessment involved cytotoxicity assays, morphological evaluations, apoptosis induction studies, and biochemical analyses of oxidative stress markers. The findings revealed that HCT-116 cells exposed to papaya leaf and green tea extract-mediated silver nanoparticles (PL-GT-AgNPs) exhibited a significant reduction in cell proliferation, as evidenced by the MTT assay. Notable morphological changes, such as cell shrinkage and membrane blebbing, were observed in cells treated with 20 µg/mL of PL-GT-AgNPs. The dual staining assay further corroborated these apoptotic features. Biochemical analysis indicated a significant increase in lipid peroxide levels, along with a substantial decrease in glutathione (GSH) levels, in the PL-GT-AgNP-treated cells. In summary, PL-GT-AgNPs demonstrates significant anticancer activity against colon cancer cells through several key mechanisms, including inducing cytotoxicity, triggering apoptosis, and modulating oxidative stress.