Phycobiliprotein-mediated synthesis of biogenic silver nanoparticles, characterization, in vitro and in vivo assessment of anticancer activities

Abstract

Phycoerythrin is the main phycobiliprotein that responsible for harvesting light for photosynthesis in cyanobacteria. In this research, phycoerythrin extracted from the cyanobacterium Nostoc carneum has been used to reduce silver nitrate for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesis. UV–visible spectrophotometry for measuring surface plasmon resonance showed a single absorption peak at 430 nm, which confirmed the presence of AgNPs. The face-centered central composite design was chosen to evaluate the interaction effects between four process variables and also to determine their optimal levels which influence the AgNPs biosynthesis using phycoerythrin. The maximum silver nanoparticles biosynthesis (1733.260 ± 21 µg/mL) was achieved in the central runs under the conditions of initial pH 10, incubation period of the 24 h, phycoerythrin concentration of the 0.8 mg/mL and 20 mM of AgNO3. The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized using TEM which revealed the formation of spherical shape nanoparticles with size ranged between 7.1‒26.68 nm. EDX analysis confirmed silver as the major constituent element. FTIR spectrum indicates the presence of proteinaceous capping agent that prevents silver nanoparticles agglomeration. The IC50 of cell inhibition by AgNPs was observed at 13.07 ± 1.1 µg/mL. Treatment of mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma with 5 mg AgNPs/kg of mice body weight significantly decreased tumor volume, tumor cells count, white blood cells count and body weight. It was concluded that the phycoerythrin protein has the ability to synthesize AgNPs, which have antibacterial, antihemolytic, in vitro and in vivo cytotoxic activities.

Ångstrom‐Scale Silver Particles as a Promising Agent for Low‐Toxicity Broad‐Spectrum Potent Anticancer Therapy

“…Currently, skin penetration, oral administration, and inhalation are major routes for exposure to AgNPs from consumer products or medical applications . In research laboratories, the intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, oral, and intravenous routes have been used for administration of AgNPs. Intravenous route is commonly used for its rapid administration and immediate drug effect .…”

“…AgNPs also show potent cytotoxicity against ovarian cancer cells, hepatoma cells, colon cancer cells, and gastric adenocarcinoma cells, due to their ability to inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis . A few studies also report the antitumor activity of AgNPs in vivo and the potential of AgNPs as a highly effective radiosensitizer for glioblastoma multiforme therapy . These findings indicate that AgNPs may be a good candidate for cancer therapy.…”

“…The chemical methods employ chemical reducing agents, such as borohydride, citrate, or other organic solvents, which are harmful to human body and hence render them unsuitable for medical purpose . Biological routes using microorganisms are considered safe, nontoxic, and eco‐friendly, but the synthesis methods have potential biohazard risks and require strenuous process of maintaining microbe cultures . In physical approaches, evaporation–condensation and laser ablation are usually used for deriving AgNPs from metal samples .…”

Facile green synthesis approach for the production of chromium oxide nanoparticles and their different in vitro biological activities

“…These physicochemical synthesis routes face numerous problems such as need high energy, costly instruments, need high temperature and pressure, use several reducing agents, costly metal salts, toxic solvents, and reductants. These methods not only are expensive at industrial‐level production but also have potential environmental and biological hazards (Abbasi et al, 2019; El‐Naggar, Hussein, & El‐Sawah, ; Iqbal et al, 2019). These problems necessitated the development of safer, cleaner, and sustainable approach.…”

Exogenous Production of Silver Nanoparticles by Tephrosia apollinea Living Plants under Drought Stress and Their Antimicrobial Activities

“…EDS and element mapping results indicated the presence of silver in the NPs Figure 5c. The EDS peaks around 3 KeV indicates the presence of silver [47,48]. In addition, the resulting peaks of carbon and oxygen were possibly due to organic phytochemicals that acted as capping agents of the synthesized NPs.…”