Algae-Mediated Green Synthesis of Dextran-Coated Titanium Nanoparticles and Their Cytotoxic Potential Against MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells.

Abstract

Background: The green synthesis of nanoparticles through algae-mediated processes offers an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and scalable approach for producing nanomaterials with potential applications in cancer therapy. The present study investigated the algae-mediated green synthesis of dextran-coated titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO₂NPs) and evaluated their cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Methods: Chlorella vulgaris was isolated and identified. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplification of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene was used to confirm the isolate. Dextran from C. vulgaris was used to prepare coated TiO₂NPs), characterized using three techniques. The cytotoxicity of the dextran-coated TiO2NPs was evaluated using the MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay on MCF7- breast cancer cells at various concentrations (25, 50, and 75%) and exposure times (24, 48, and 72 hours). The bioactive compounds in the algal extract were also identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Results: Chlorella vulgaris was successfully isolated as confirmed by the 345-bp PCR-amplified fragment. The characterization of the TiO₂NPs confirmed the successful nanoparticle formation. A cluster of nanocrystalline particles had an average diameter of 71.44 nm. Compositional analysis revealed 15.85% atomic percentage for titanium. The dextran-coated TiO2NPs exhibited an impressive cytotoxicity rate of up to 99% at optimal concentration (25%) and exposure time (48 hours). Additionally, GC-MS analysis identified bioactive compounds in the algal extract, such as fatty acids, which may contribute to the observed anticancer effects.

Conclusions: The study demonstrated the potential of algae-mediated TiO₂NPs in cancer co-therapy, enhancing treatment effectiveness and reducing the side effects of traditional therapies.