Synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Vicia faba aqueous extract with cytotoxic activity against human acute T cell leukemia

Abstract

Abstract Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are among the most extensively utilized nanomaterials in commercial and biomedical applications due to their potent cytotoxic properties. Leukemia remains one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, driving the search for novel therapeutic approaches. In this study, aqueous extracts from Vicia faba seed coats were employed for the green synthesis of AgNPs, and their anticancer activity was evaluated in vitro. The biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited an average hydrodynamic diameter of 23.14 ± 0.20 nm, with all particles measuring under 40 nm, and showed a characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 430 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles, revealing distinct peaks corresponding to the (111), (200), (220), and (311) planes of metallic silver. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated the presence of phenolic functional groups from the extract, likely involved in nanoparticle formation and stabilization. Cell viability assays demonstrated a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on leukemia cells, with an IC₅₀ of 2.27 mg/mL. Apoptosis induction was confirmed by flow cytometry using the Annexin V assay, which revealed a significant increase in apoptotic cell populations with increasing AgNPs concentrations. Additionally, an increased percentage of cells in the sub-G1 phase was observed, further supporting apoptotic activity. At a concentration of 3 mg/mL, the AgNPs significantly reduced cell viability. These findings suggest that the proposed one-step, cost-effective biosynthesis method yields AgNPs with promising anticancer properties, highlighting their potential as a therapeutic tool for leukemia treatment.