Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and Rosmarinus officinalis extract and their potentials to prompt apoptosis and arrest cell cycle in HT-29 colon cancer cells

Abstract

BackgroundOne of the significant morbidity and mortality causes is the colorectal cancer. Rosmarinus officinalis plant is utilized as food and medicine. Currently, nanoparticles are widely employed in medicinal preparations. This work aimed to explore the potentials of R. officinalis leaves acetone extract, alone or in combination gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), to kill colon cancer cells. MethodsFresh leaves of R. officinalis were collected from the Al Soudah, Saudi Arabia and then dried to prepare acetone extract. AuNPs were prepared utilizing the extract and portrayed using UV/Vis spectrophotometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Active ingredients exist in the extract and extract + AuNPs were screened using FT-IR spectroscopy. Biological properties of the extract and extract + AuNPs including anti-cancer activity and apoptotic capacity were studied. ResultsResults of UV/Vis spectrophotometry and SEM demonstrated that AuNPs are of 79 nm in diameter. FTIR analysis revealed the existence of bioactive molecules in the extract. Extract and extract + AuNPs arrested HT-29 colon cancer cells at G2/M phase. ConclusionR. officinalis acetone extract and extract + AuNPs could arrest the proliferation of HT-29 colon cancer cells. Extract and extract + AuNPs actuated apoptosis in cancer cells as opposed to necrosis.