African Journal of
Biotechnology

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Biotechnol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1684-5315
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJB
  • Start Year: 2002
  • Published Articles: 12487

Full Length Research Paper

Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Azadirachta indica methanolic bark extract and their anti-proliferative activities against DU-145 human prostate cancer cells

Shedrack Reuben Kitimu
  • Shedrack Reuben Kitimu
  • Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Pan-African University, Institute of Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation, P. O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya.
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Peter Kirira
  • Peter Kirira
  • Department of Physical Sciences, Mount Kenya University, General Kago Rd P. O. Box 342-01000 Thika, Kiambu, Kenya.
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Judith Sokei
  • Judith Sokei
  • Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Pan-African University, Institute of Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation, P. O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
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Dominic Ochwangi
  • Dominic Ochwangi
  • Department of Veterinary. Anatomy and Physiology, P.O Box 3709-00100, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Peter Mwitari
  • Peter Mwitari
  • Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P. O. Box 54840 00200, Off Mbagathi Road, Nairobi Kenya.
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Naomi Maina
  • Naomi Maina
  • Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Pan-African University, Institute of Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation, P. O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
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  •  Received: 27 October 2021
  •  Accepted: 17 January 2022
  •  Published: 28 February 2022

Abstract

Phytomedicine coupled with nanotechnology has shown possibilities in treating different ailments including cancer. In the current study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were biogenically synthesized using methanolic extracts of Azadirachta indica (neem) barks and tested for cytotoxic and anti-proliferative activities on normal cells (Vero E6) and human prostate cancer cells (DU-145), respectively by resazurin assay. Characterization of the AgNPs using UV-Vis, Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Zetasizer Nano were performed. The UV-Vis spectroscopy showed surface plasmon resonance of 428 nm indicating the successful formation of silver nanoparticles. The FTIR spectra indicated the presence of ketones, carboxylic acid, amines, aldehydes, secondary alcohols, alkenes, and carbohydrates. Zetasizer revealed the average particle size and zeta potential of 58.8nm and -33Mv respectively for the biogenic AgNPs. IC50 values were found to be 41.78±0.82, 8.02±0.18 and 6.37±0.34 µg/ml for crude extract, biogenic AgNPs and control drug (doxorubicin), respectively. While there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in anti-proliferative activities between biogenic AgNPs and control drug (doxorubicin), results showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in their cytotoxic activities. Selectivity index of the AgNPs was recorded to be 2.1 while that of control drug was 1.4; showing the potential of AgNPs to select cancerous cells over normal cells. We deduce that, the biogenic AgNPs has good anti-proliferative activities against human prostate cancer cells (DU 145) in a selective manner.

 

Key words: Silver nanoparticles, Azadiracta indica, biogenic synthesis, cancer, prostate cancer.

Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article.

This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

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