Exploring the Anticancer Potential of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Cymodocea Serrulata in Mcf-7 Cells – an in Vitro Approach

The present study investigated the anticancer potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) sourced from Cymodocea serrulata against the MCF-7 cell line. Flow cytometric assessments, encompassing cell cycle progression, apoptosis induction, and expression of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins, were utilized to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms underlying cytotoxicity. Analysis of the cell cycle indicated that treatment with AgNPs led to a notable accumulation of cells within the G₀/G₁ phase, signifying cell cycle arrest and the inhibition of DNA synthesis. Apoptotic assessment revealed a marked elevation in early apoptotic events, thereby confirming the pro-apoptotic influence of AgNPs. Expression of apoptotic marker proteins further corroborated these observations, specifically the significant upregulation of caspase-3 and caspase-9, alongside a pronounced downregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Moreover, DNA fragmentation analysis further reinforced these observations by revealing extensive nuclear degradation in AgNPs-treated cells, signifying the activation of programmed cell death pathways. These collective findings suggest that AgNPs provoke apoptosis via the activation of intrinsic (mitochondrial) apoptotic pathways facilitated by caspase signaling and Bcl-2 inhibition. The documented G₀/G₁ phase arrest and DNA fragmentation further accentuate the role of AgNPs in disrupting cellular proliferation and facilitating programmed cell death. In summary, the investigation underscores the potential utility of Cymodocea serrulata -derived AgNPs as a promising nanotherapeutic agent for the treatment of breast cancer by facilitating the induction of caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways.