The Role of Silver Nanoparticles in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer: Are There Any Perspectives for the Future?

Abstract

Cancer is a fatal disease with a complex pathophysiology. Lack of specificity and cytotoxicity, as well as the multidrug resistance of traditional cancer chemotherapy, are the most common limitations that often cause treatment failure. Thus, in recent years, significant efforts have concentrated on the development of a modernistic field called nano-oncology, which provides the possibility of using nanoparticles (NPs) with the aim to detect, target, and treat cancer diseases. In comparison with conventional anticancer strategies, NPs provide a targeted approach, preventing undesirable side effects. What is more, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have shown good pharmacokinetics and precise targeting, as well as reduced multidrug resistance. It has been documented that, in cancer cells, NPs promote reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, activate ER (endoplasmic reticulum) stress, modulate various signaling pathways, etc. Furthermore, their ability to inhibit tumor growth in vivo has also been documented. In this paper, we have reviewed the role of silver NPs (AgNPs) in cancer nanomedicine, discussing numerous mechanisms by which they render anticancer properties under both in vitro and in vivo conditions, as well as their potential in the diagnosis of cancer.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticle prepared with Ocimum species and assessment of anticancer potential

“…Cell death expanded with expanding groupings of AgNPs and hindrance of half-cell passing requires a little portion of AgNPs. It has been accounted for that the AgNPs treatment causes harm to the mitochondrial film and delivers cytochrome c, which is a basic angle showing apoptosis in cells animated by cytoplasm 69 . Here, our outcomes demonstrated that the formulated te-AgNPs, gr-AgNPs, and am-AgNPs effectively inhibited growth and induced apoptosis in the breast cancer MCF-7 cells.…”

Understanding the biofilm development of Acinetobacter baumannii and novel strategies to combat infection

“…Recently, Hetta et al [96] found out that at the lowest subinhibitory concentration, (AgNPs) suppressed the expression of specific virulence and biofilm-related genes (kpsMII, afa/draBC, Bap, ompA, and csuA/B), resulting in a decrease in the biofilm concentration of A. baumannii. AgNPs were also shown to be a promising agent for inhibiting cancer cell growth through multiple mechanisms [97]. A study using silica NPs found that it can specifically target Acinetobacter biofilms while preserving the viability of normal cells; viability rates ranged from 61% to 73%.…”

Rosmarinic Acid-Rich Perilla frutescens Extract-Derived Silver Nanoparticles: A Green Synthesis Approach for Multifunctional Biomedical Applications including Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Anticancer Activities

“…Currently, extensive research is being conducted on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) due to their wide range of potential applications. AgNPs can be used in various materials, including optical sensors [ 2 ], electrical batteries [ 3 ], supercapacitors [ 4 ], nanoceramics [ 5 ], flame retardants [ 6 ], biosensors [ 7 ], drug delivery vehicles [ 8 ], catalysts [ 9 ], and as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer agents [ 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Due to their antibacterial properties, AgNPs have found widespread use in various applications, including dental implants, surgical devices, bone and tissue engineering applications, and other biomedical devices [ 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”