Abstract / Summary
Abstract In recent years, nanotechnology has proven to be a significant influence in medicine with novel disease detection, monitoring and treatment options, including cancer. This study aims to define an environmentally-friendly approach for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using the bark extract of Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon) and to investigate their antioxidant properties as well as their ability to inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells (HCT-116) in vitro. Thoroughly, the nanoparticles were analyzed using a set of analytical methods including UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, particle size analysis, and TEM. Analysis of cinnamon bark extract showed that it contained natural chemicals which contributed to the reduction and stabilization of the nanoparticles. These AuNPs were tested for their activity in the inhibition of free radicals, using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, and were found to be highly effective in inhibiting free radicals. The anti-cancer activity was evaluated by cytotoxicity assays, monitoring of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and acridine orange/propidium iodide (PI) staining, which showed significant cell destruction and induction of apoptosis in HCT-116 cells. The results of the study show that the antioxidants and anticancer properties of AuNPs synthesized from cinnamon extract are significant and the AuNPs formed are suitable, natural products for the treatment of cancer nanotherapy.