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Biosynthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Effects of Biologically Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Cyperus conglomeratus Root Extracts on Breast Cancer Cell Line MCF-7

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Abstract

Over recent years, metal nanoparticles have largely been investigated due to their potential activities. This study focused on synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the desert plant Cyperus conglomeratus, which is the most abundant species on the sand dunes in the UAE, and their anticancer activity. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-visible spectra, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the AgNPs are monodispersed and mostly spherical in shape. The cytotoxicity effects were investigated against breast cancer cells MCF-7 and normal fibroblast using MTT assay which showed selective cytotoxicity against MCF-7 with an IC50 at 5 μg/mL but not fibroblast. Moreover, the apoptotic effects were confirmed using annexin V-FITC-PI double staining kit and real-time PCR for apoptotic genes. Therefore, our results revealed potential anticancer applications of the C. conglomeratus biosynthesized silver nanoparticles.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Dr. Ahmed Ali, Ms. Attiat Elnaggar​, Mr. Mohamed Shameer, and Mr. Muhammad Adil Abbasifor their assistance.

Funding

This research was financially supported by the Office of VC for Research and Graduate Studies at the University of Sharjah.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied Biology, College of Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    Amani Ghassan Al-Nuairi, Kareem A. Mosa & Ali El-Keblawy

  2. Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt

    Kareem A. Mosa

  3. Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Collage of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    Mohammad G. Mohammad

  4. Iron Biology research group, Sharjah Institute of Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    Mohammad G. Mohammad

  5. College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    Sameh Soliman

  6. Infectous Disease Research Group, Sharjah Institute of Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    Sameh Soliman

  7. Center for Advanced Materials Research, Research Institute of Sciences and Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    Hussain Alawadhi

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  1. Amani Ghassan Al-Nuairi
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Correspondence to Kareem A. Mosa.

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Figure S1

Formation of MTT formazan in MCF-7 cells treated with C. conglomeratus synthesized AgNPs compared to untreated cells. (a) non treated MCF-7 cells. (b) treated MCF-7 cells. (PDF 282 kb)

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Al-Nuairi, A.G., Mosa, K.A., Mohammad, M.G. et al. Biosynthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Effects of Biologically Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Cyperus conglomeratus Root Extracts on Breast Cancer Cell Line MCF-7. Biol Trace Elem Res 194, 560–569 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-019-01791-7

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