Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using hydroalcoholic extract of Nepeta sahandica plant and evaluation of antioxidant and cytotoxicity effects on skin cancer cells

Abstract

Introduction: Various methods for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been introduced, among which the green synthesis using plant extracts is considered as an easy, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method with minimal side effects.Aim: This study aimed at investigating the cytotoxicity and antioxidant effects of AgNPs synthetized by Nepeta sahandica hydroalcoholic extract on HFF1 and A431 cell lines.Materials and Methods: Green synthesis was used to produce AgNPs. The properties of AgNPs were evaluated using DLS, SEM, UV-Vis and FTIR spectrophotometry and their antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH test. The cytotoxic effects of AgNPs on HFF1 and A431 cell lines were investigated using the MTT method.Results: The average size of AgNPs was 92.2 nm (intensity based) with zeta potential of 47.8 mV. According to the SEM results, the morphology of the nanoparticles was spherical, and their average size was 47 nm. In the UV-Vis spectrophotometric test, absorption at 427 nm after 48 hours indicated the formation of nanoparticles. The FTIR results proved the role of proteins and phenolic components of extract in the synthesis of AgNPs. The antioxidant power of AgNPs was 19% of pure extract by the same weight. The cytotoxic activity of AgNPs on A431 cell line was about 9 times that of HFF1 cell line. The extract had no cytotoxicity on HFF1 cell line at any concentration, but with increasing concentration, the lethal effects on A431 cell line increased. AgNO3 kills all A431 cells but showed less lethal effects on HFF1 cell line.Conclusion: In this study, Nepeta sahandica plant extract reduced the cytotoxicity of AgNO3 through its masking and antioxidant role. The greater toxicity of AgNPs on cancer cells than normal skin cells is promising to achieve a treatment with minimal side effects.