A Systematic Review of Biosynthesized Metallic Nanoparticles as a Promising Anti-Cancer-Strategy

Abstract

Cancer is one of the foremost causes of death worldwide. Cancer develops because of mutation in genes that regulate normal cell cycle and cell division, thereby resulting in uncontrolled division and proliferation of cells. Various drugs have been used to treat cancer thus far; however, conventional chemotherapeutic drugs have lower bioavailability, rapid renal clearance, unequal delivery, and severe side effects. In the recent years, nanotechnology has flourished rapidly and has a multitude of applications in the biomedical field. Bio-mediated nanoparticles (NPs) are cost effective, safe, and biocompatible and have got substantial attention from researchers around the globe. Due to their safe profile and fewer side effects, these nanoscale materials offer a promising cure for cancer. Currently, various metallic NPs have been designed to cure or diagnose cancer; among these, silver (Ag), gold (Au), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are the leading anti-cancer NPs. The anticancer potential of these NPs is attributed to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cellular compartments that eventually leads to activation of autophagic, apoptotic and necrotic death pathways. In this review, we summarized the recent advancements in the biosynthesis of Ag, Au, Zn and Cu NPs with emphasis on their mechanism of action. Moreover, nanotoxicity, as well as the future prospects and opportunities of nano-therapeutics, are also highlighted.

Plant-Based Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles: Production, Characterization and Applications

“…Nanotechnology is a fast-expanding and multidisciplinary field with many applications in science and technology [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. This field combines key concepts from a variety of disciplines, including chemistry, engineering, physics, and biology, in order to provide novel methods for controlling and generating nanoparticles (NPs).…”

Phyto-fabricated Nanoparticles and Their Anti-biofilm Activity: Progress and Current Status

“…Other physicochemical properties like crystallinity, elemental composition, solubility, shape, charge, and surface derivatives may also affect the toxic potential of the nanoparticles (Dreher, 2004) (Nel et al, 2006). Moreover, agglomeration is one of the major obstructions in converting nanomaterials into medicine attributing to its potential toxic effects on various organs and organ systems (Andleeb et al, 2021). The small size makes the penetration of nanoparticles within minute capillaries feasible.…”

Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Plant Extracts as Beneficial Prospect for Cancer Theranostics

“…It significantly enhances the safety and effectiveness of the most commonly utilised anticancer drugs. Effective targeting, delayed-release, prolonged half-life, and reduced toxicity are the significant benefits of nanomedicine and delivery systems [19]. Since the FDA approved the first nano formulated anticancer drug, Doxil Caelyx (Janssen) (Liposomal Doxorubicin (PEGylated)) in 1995, for the treatment of Ovarian and HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma, the numbers of nanomedicines used to treat cancer has increased dramatically [20].…”

“…Due to economic cost, the plant-based green synthesis methodology is one of the best choices for the large-scale generation of AuNPs with well-defined size and morphology [37]. Plants are preferred candidates for NPs synthesis over microorganisms, such as fungi and bacteria, since plants do not require the complex process of maintaining microbial cultures [19].…”