Anticancer Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by the Seaweed Ulva lactuca Invitro

Abstract

Introduction: A novel process for the rapid synthesis of AgNPs using the aqueous extract of marine macro- algae, Ulva lactuca. Methods: The nanoparticles were synthesized by subjecting the reaction media at 121°C for 10 min. and were assessed for in vitro cytotoxic activity on Hep-2, MF7, HT29 and Vero cell lines. Results: The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by observing a peak at 434nm using UV-visible spectroscopy. Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopic analysis was carried out to identify the functional groups responsible for the synthesis of AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs were further demonstrated and confirmed by the characteristic peaks observed in the XRD image. SEM and TEM images revealed that AgNPs were spherical in shape and measured 20-56nm in size. Qualitative as well as quantitative status of elements that might be involved in the formation of AgNPs is stressed by EDAX analysis. Conclusion: The synthesized nanoparticles were potently cytotoxic against Hep 2 cell lines and mildly cytotoxic against MCF 7 and HT 29 cell lines. The synthesized AgNPs were found to be a cytotoxic against human (Hep2, MCF7 and HT29) cancer cell lines.