Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles For Cancer Treatment: An Experimental Report
In this clinical study, published in the journal Colloids and Surfaces B Biointerfaces in June 2013, researchers investigated the in vitro toxicity of silver nanoparticles on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line.
The silver nanoparticles were synthesized using a leaf extract (Sesbania grandiflora), and were 22 nm in size, with some agglomeration of particles. According to the study authors, the silver nanoparticles were cytotoxic to the breast cancer cells, producing gradual apoptosis (cellular self-destruction). The researchers wrote, “It was surprising that biogenic silver nanoparticles showed cytotoxic effect against MCF-7 cell lines… This may be a first report on anti-MCF-7 property of biogenic AgNPs… It is necessary to study the formulation and clinical trials to establish the nano drug to treat cancer cells.”
