No abstract

Life generates cellular energy by linking electron donor oxidation to acceptor reduction. Each electron source and sink has an inherent potential which together defines the maximum amount of energy available when electrons are exchanged in coupled reactions. For example, the difference in NO − 3 and Fe(III)(oxyhydr)oxides reduction potentials is more than half a volt, representing an additional 60 kJ/mol e − available during nitrate reduction when acetate is the donor (E°′ of NO − 3 ∕NO − 2 = +0.43 V vs. E°′ of Fe(III) (oxyhydr)oxides/ Fe(II) ~−0.2 V vs. standard hydrogen electrode [SHE]) (Fischer, 1987;

Green chemistry approaches for designing therapeutically significant nanomedicine have gained considerable attention in the past decade. Herein, we report for the first time on anticancer potential of phytogenic platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) and palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) using a medicinal plant Gloriosa superba tuber extract (GSTE). The synthesis of the nanoparticles was completed within 5 hours at 100°C which was confirmed by development of dark brown and black colour for PtNPs and PdNPs, respectively, along with enhancement of the peak intensity in the UV-visible spectra. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) showed that the monodispersed spherical nanoparticles were within a size range below 10 nm. Energy dispersive spectra (EDS) confirmed the elemental composition, while dynamic light scattering (DLS) helped to evaluate the hydrodynamic size of the particles. Anticancer activity against MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) cell lines was evaluated using MTT assay, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy. PtNPs and PdNPs showed 49.65 ± 1.99% and 36.26 ± 0.91% of anticancer activity. Induction of apoptosis was most predominant in the underlying mechanism which was rationalized by externalization of phosphatidyl serine and membrane blebbing. These findings support the efficiency of phytogenic fabrication of nanoscale platinum and palladium drugs for management and therapy against breast cancer.