Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles and their anticancer activity

Abstract

As the nano revolution unfolds, it is imperative to integrate nanoscience and medicine. The secret gleaned from nature have led to the generation of biogenic technologies for the fabrication of advanced nanomaterials. Present investigation discloses the gold nanoparticles biosynthesizing capability of the flower of pharmacologically important tree Couroupita guianensis. Rapid, cost-effective, one-step process of synthesis has been achieved. Newly genre gold nanoparticles were characterized by involving UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TEM analysis. Interestingly, as a result of extensive screening on the application of newly synthesized gold nanoparticles their anticancer potential has been discovered using MTT assay, DNA fragmentation, apoptosis by DAPI staining, and comet assay for DNA damage. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Wien.