An investigation into green synthesis of Ru template gold nanoparticles and the in vitro photothermal effect on the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line

Abstract

In recent years, laser photothermal therapy of cancers, as a new adjuvant treatment, has attracted a lot of attention. Nanoparticles have been applied to increase the effect of plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT) with decreasing side effects. Plasmonic photothermal therapy using gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) has been employed as a novel approach for PPTT. In this research, Au NPs were green synthesized by utilizing Rutin extract as a stabilizing and reducing agent. Afterward, structural and physical characteristics were evaluated by the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and visible–ultraviolet spectrophotometer (UV–Vis). Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of nanoparticles are tested using the MTT method. The therapeutic effect of this nanoparticle on breast cancer cells was investigated in vitro using a laser with a power of 500 mW and a wavelength of 532 nm. Microscopic images revealed that the synthesized Au NPs had the mean size of 40 nm and a roughly spherical form. The results indicate the selective and effective anticancer function of Ru-Au NPs, in addition to low cytotoxicity and better biocompatibility for normal cells. Also, the findings demonstrate the significant efficacy of Ru-Au NPs coupled with laser radiation (150 J/cm2 of laser energy for 300 s) in the treatment of breast cancer MCF-7 cells. As a result of the study, an ecoenvironmental nanoplatform for PPTT against MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line with excellent anticancer function and acceptable biocompatibility has been developed.