Green Synthesis: In-vitro Anticancer Activity of Silver Nanoparticles on Human Cervical Cancer Cells

The development of an eco-friendly process for the synthesis of nanoparticles is an important and emerging area in the field of nanotechnology. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using Saccharina japonica extract and their cytotoxicity to cervical carcinoma cells was examined. The AgNPs were characterized by ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high resolution-transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and selected area electron diffraction. The biosynthesized AgNPs were spherical in shape, and HeLa cells exposed to these NPs showed morphological changes, including rounding and loss of adherence. Fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed the characteristic apoptotic features such as reduction in nuclear volume and cytoplasm condensation.