RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Breast carcinoma is the second leading cause of cancer related-deaths among women. Given its high incidence and mortality rates, searching for innovative treatments represents a formidable challenge within the medical and pharmaceutical industries. This study delves into the preparation, characterization, and anticancer properties of silver chloride nanoparticles (AgCLNPs) as a novel therapeutic approach for breast cancer cells, employing a biological synthesis method. METHODS: This investigation, utilized spirulina platensis extract to synthesize silver chloride nanoparticles (AgCLNPs-SP). The formation, size, and structure of the nanoparticles were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray crystallography (XRD), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Additionally, the apoptotic and anticancer properties of AgCLNPs-SP were thoroughly examined. RESULTS: The results, revealed AgCLNPs-SP to exhibit a spherical, morphology with a size range of 40-70 nm, primarily silver and chlorine. The dose-dependent response of AgCLNP-SP against MDA-MB231 cells was ascertained using the MTT Assay, with an IC50 value of 34 µg/mL. Furthermore, the Annexin V-FITC/ PI apoptosis assay demonstrated a significant proportion of early apoptosis (43.67%) in MDA-MB231 cells. This apoptosis process was substantiated by up-regulation in mRNA expression levels of P53, CAD, and Bax genes, alongside a down-regulation of the of bcl2 gene expression. Additionally, an augmented production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell cycle analysis, Hoechst staining assay, and evaluated levels of Caspase - 3, -8 and - 9 were observed in AgCLNPs-SP-treated MDA_MB231 cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the results suggest that AgCLNPs-SP may be a promising agent for treating breast cancer.