Spirulina‑mediated silver nanoparticles induce apoptosis and autophagy in Caco‑2 colorectal cancer cells
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates the anticancer effects of green‑synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Spirulina platensis extract on Caco‑2 human colon adenocarcinoma cells. The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized by XRD, which confirmed a face‑centered cubic crystalline structure with characteristic peaks at 31.708°, 45.422°, 75.268°, and 83.961°, and FT‑IR spectroscopy, which revealed the involvement of hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amide groups in the reduction and capping process, with new Ag–O/Ag–N bands appearing in the 600–700 cm −1 region. TEM and SEM analyses confirmed a spherical morphology with sizes ranging from 10 to 25 nm, while DLS showed an average hydrodynamic diameter of 20–30 nm and a zeta potential of − 19.8 mV, indicating moderate colloidal stability. MTT assay demonstrated a dose‑ and time‑dependent cytotoxicity, with an IC 50 value of 6.25 µg/mL after 72 h. qRT‑PCR analysis revealed a 4.2‑fold upregulation of Bax, a 2.8‑fold upregulation of Beclin‑1, a 3.1‑fold upregulation of ATG5, and a 2.5‑fold downregulation of Bcl‑2 compared to untreated controls, indicating simultaneous induction of apoptosis and autophagy. Flow cytometry showed a significant increase in early and late apoptotic populations (Annexin V⁺/PI⁻ and Annexin V⁺/PI⁺) and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase with an increased sub‑G1 fraction. These findings demonstrate that Spirulina ‑mediated AgNPs effectively inhibit Caco‑2 cell proliferation through dual activation of apoptotic and autophagic pathways, suggesting their potential as promising nanotherapeutic candidates for colorectal cancer, either alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapies.
Source: Scientific Reports
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,690
OpenAlex ID: W7204261932
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