Photodynamic therapy mediated by silver-chlorophyllin nanoparticles induced an apoptotic anti-breast cancer activity and sunlight-mediated Musca domestica pesticide and larvicide activities.

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an attractive therapeutic and pest-controlling modality. This study aims to synthesize silver nanoparticles capped with copper chlorophyllin (AgNPs-CHL) and examine their anti-breast cancer, Musca domestica pesticide, and larvicidal activities. Silver nitrate was the precursor, and CHL was the capping agent. Nanoparticles were characterized using UV-VIS, TEM, XRD, and zeta sizer. The anticancer activity against MDA-MB-231 cells was examined by MTT assay, and flow cytometry was applied to study the mode of cell death. Nanoparticle cellular internalization was investigated by confocal laser scanning microscope. The same nanoparticles were fed to adult Musca domestica followed by sunlight exposure, and the lethality was quantified. Furthermore, the nanoparticles were fed to Musca domestica larvae followed by sunlight illumination, and the number of dead larvae was counted over 24 h. Results revealed success in synthesizing spherical AgNPs with an average diameter of 25 nm. AgNPs-CHL-induced apoptotic cell death in MDA-MB-231 and were sufficiently internalized within the cytoplasm. Sunlight exposure following 24 h of feeding resulted in 60% death of the adult Musca domestica and 75% death of the larvae. This is the first study to demonstrate the multi-activities of the synthesized AgNPs-CHL and encourages further studies.