Characterization of Rubidium-Based Nanoparticles by Green Synthesis and Their Effect on Colorectal Cancer Cells

Abstract

Objective: Colorectal cancers pose a major threat along with increasing morbidity and mortality to human health worldwide. Therefore, it is crucial to develop effective and safe methods for tumor therapy. In recent years, nanoparticles have emerged as successful candidates for drug delivery into tumor tissues. The particle size of nanoparticles (NPs) is of great importance for passive tumor targeting. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to synthesize and characterize rubidium-based nanoparticles (RbNPs) from the moss Abietinella abietina (AA) and determine their anticancer effects on colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT116). Materials and Methods:A field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), UV/VIS and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometers were used to characterize the RbNPs. To study the cytotoxicity, a sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay was performed in colorectal carcinoma cell cultures.Results: As a result, RbNPs-AA developed with an average particle size of about 70 nm. RbNPs-AA proved to be cytotoxic at lower doses than free AA, as it decreased cell viability at half the amount of free AA (14.25 µg/mL). Conclusion:The availability of RbNPs, particularly for the treatment of colorectal cancer, is evidenced by the fact that all the data collected are highly relevant.