Antibacterial and cytotoxicity of synthesized silver nanoparticles using Erica carnea extract on breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and analysis of its apoptotic effects

Recently, metal nanoparticles, especially silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), have attracted the attention of researchers due to their biological properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological synthesis of AgNPs using Erica carnea extract and its antibacterial, and cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cell line (MCF-7).

In this experimental study, the AgNPs were synthesized by adding E. carnea extract to silver nitrate. Subsequently, its physical and chemical properties were determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry (UV/Vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Subsequently, its antimicrobial, cytotoxic and apoptotic effects were investigate using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), MTT and flow cytometry (Annexin-V/PI kit) methods, respectively.

The UV/Vis adsorption results showed that the synthesized AgNPs had a maximum absorbance at 420 nm. In addition, SEM and TEM results indicated that the AgNPs was spherical and had an average size of 10.67 nm. The results of MIC show that the AgNPs had significant effect on Gram negative bacteria. The results of cell cytotoxicity at 125.3 to 100 μg/ml concentrations showed that the IC50 value was 7.14 microgram/mL. Apoptotic results showed that AgNPs induced 60% apoptosis in the MCF-7 cell line.

Based on results of this study, it can be concluded that the AgNPs synthesized by the E. carnea extract had significant antibacterial and anticancer effects and can be used as a drug candidate for the future.