Chitosan coated copper/silver oxide nanoparticles as carriers of breast anticancer drug: Cyclin D1/P53 expressions and cytotoxicity studies

Developing new treatment strategies for cancer is necessary and inevitable. The aim of this study is the synthesis of a novel nanocomposite (NC) based on chitosan coated copper/silver oxide nanoparticles ((CuO-Ag2O-NCs) ant evaluation of its effect on breast cancer and cyclin D1/P53 expression. A thermal process (500 degrees C) was used for synthesis of NCs. Characterization was done by powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission electron microscopy (FESEM). The prepared CuO-Ag2O-NCs were also tested against breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and Human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) cell lines. Also, the expression of Cylclin D1 and P53 genes was measured in MCF-7 cells under CuO-Ag2O-NCs treatment. The XRD showed both CuO and Ag2O phases without no purity or negligible contaminants. The FTIR spectrum also confirmed proper synthesis (peaks at 485, 531and 579 cm-1: Cu-O vibrations, 721 and 1440 cm 1: Ag2O). FESEM images demonstrated polymorphic particles in which rod-shaped particles were the distinguished ones. Anticancer test indicated significant inhibitory effect of nanoparticle on the growth of MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The viability evaluation of MCF-7 cells demonstrated an IC50 value of 173.9, 30.11 and 5.462 mu g/mL at 24, 48 and 72 h after treatment, respectively. Prepared NCs had lower toxicity on HFF cell lines in comparison with MCF-7 cells. The results showed that both cyclin D1 and P53 expressions enhanced after 48 h of incubation. Results showed that the CuO-Ag2O-NCs induced apoptosis cancer cells compared to control cells. According to results, acquired nanostructures had potent anticancer activity via change in gene expression and apoptosis induction.