Anti-proliferative activities of Carthamidin mediated gold nanoparticles against breast cancer: An in-vitro approach

Abstract

Natural pigments have unique commercial properties and are a versatile resource. Additionally, these pigments have potent therapeutic qualities that could be developed into a medication. With this rationale, a simple one-pot synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was achieved using Carthamidin (CT). The synthesis of gold nanoparticles was visually confirmed by the change of color pattern from yellow to dark purple color. The CTAuNPs exhibit Surface Plasmon Resonance at 537 nm in Ultra-Violet Visible Spectroscopy analysis (UV-Vis). The face-centered cubic crystalline nature of CTAuNPs was determined by the X-ray diffraction spectrum. The spherical, polydispersed, stable nanoparticles with an average size of 35 nm are depicted by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and CTAuNPs were stable as determined by zeta potential. The CTAuNPs were evaluated as a cytotoxic agent in the MCF 7 cells using the (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) method. The assay inhibits the cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 76.32 µg/mL. Additionally, we used the Reactive Oxygen Species assay, Lactate Dehydrogenase assay, and Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide Staining to annotate the apoptosis pattern. These comprehensive assays validate that the MCF 7 cancer cells treated with CTAuNPs underwent apoptosis-mediated cell death. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis showed that the CTAuNPs stop the cell cycle at the GO/G1 phase in the MCF 7 cells. It is clear from the analyses that CTAuNPs induce apoptosis in MCF 7 cells. As a result, the development of novel pigment-based gold nanoparticles will enhance the nanoparticles as a theranostic agent as a new paradigm to combat breast cancer and resistance.