Silver Nanoparticle-Coated Ethyl Cellulose Inhibits Tumor Necrosis Factor-α of Breast Cancer Cells

Introduction: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In many cases, cancer is related to the elevated expression of a significant cytokine known as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Breast cancer in particular is linked to increased proliferation of tumor cells, high incidence of malignancies, more metastases, and generally poor prognosis for the patient. The research sought to assess the effect of silver nanoparticles reduced with ethyl cellulose polymer (AgNPs-EC) on TNF-alpha expression in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Methods: The AgNPs-EC were produced using the green synthesis reduction method, and their formation was proofed via UV-VIS spectroscopy. Furthermore, AgNPs-EC were characterized for their size, charge, morphology, Ag ion release, and stability. The MCF-7 cells were treated with AgNPs-EC. Then, the expression of TNF-alpha genes was determined through PCR in real time, and protein expression was studied using ELISA. Results: The AgNPs-EC were spherical with an average size of 150 +/- 5.1 nm and a zeta-potential of -41.4 +/- 0.98 mV. AgNPs-EC had an inhibitory effect on cytokine mRNA and protein expression levels, which suggests that they could be used safely in the fight against cancer. AgNPs-EC cytotoxicity was also found to be non-toxic to MCF-7. Conclusion: Our data determined AgNPs-EC as a novel inhibitor of TNF-alpha production. These results are promising for developing novel therapeutic approaches for the future treatment of cancer with safe materials.

Automated summary

The study found that silver nanoparticles reduced with ethyl cellulose polymer (AgNPs-EC) have an inhibitory effect on TNF-alpha expression in breast cancer cells, with low cytotoxicity. This suggests the potential use of AgNPs-EC in the development of novel, safe approaches for cancer treatment in the future.