Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Show Promise for Cancer and Biofilm Treatment

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Vidyasagar University in West Bengal, India, have developed a rapid method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles using Meyna laxiflora leaf extracts. The nanoparticles, dubbed ML-AgNPs, have been found to have strong interactions with human serum albumin (HSA) and exhibit anticancer activities against cervical and lung cancer cell lines. Additionally, the ML-AgNPs demonstrate antioxidant and anti-biofilm potential, making them a promising candidate for nanomedicine.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ML-AgNPs were synthesized using a rapid method involving Meyna laxiflora leaf extracts and characterized through UV-Visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and physicochemical analysis.
  • The nanoparticles were found to have a uniform size of 14.7 nm and were stabilized by phytochemical functional groups.
  • Binding studies revealed strong interactions with HSA, involving both endothermic and exothermic processes, with the binding being static in nature and minimal conformational changes in HSA.
  • The ML-AgNPs showed anticancer activities towards cervical and lung cancer cell lines and had antioxidant properties.
  • The nanoparticles demonstrated anti-biofilm potential, showing promise as a promising anti-biofilm agent.
  • The study concluded that ML-AgNPs could be used as an anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-biofilm agent and hold potential as a candidate for nanomedicine.

Statistics:

  • The size of the ML-AgNPs was found to be 14.7 nm through transmission electron microscopy.
  • The binding studies with HSA involved fluorescence spectroscopy, TCSPC lifetime measurement, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC).
  • The nanoparticles demonstrated 90% scavenging activity against DPPH radicals used in antioxidant assays.
  • The ML-AgNPs showed a greater than 50% reduction in biofilm formation in E. coli cultures.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Researchers from Vidyasagar University Report New Studies and Findings in the Area of Nanoparticles (Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles From Meyna Laxiflora: Binding With Hsa and Anti-biofilm Potential). Cancer Weekly. October 21, 2025; p 1492.
  • [External reference: Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics, 2025. (Subscription-based source)]