Functionalization of Silver Nanoparticles Loaded with Paclitaxel-induced A549 Cells Apoptosis Through ROS-Mediated Signaling Pathways

Abstract

Background: Paclitaxel (PTX) is one of the most important and effective anticancer drugs for the treatment of human cancer. However, its low solubility and severe adverse effects limited clinical use. To overcome this limitation, nanotechnology has been used to overcome tumors due to its excellent antimicrobial activity. Objective: This study was to demonstrate the anticancer properties of functionalization silver nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel (Ag@PTX) induced A549 cells apoptosis through ROS-mediated signaling pathways. Methods: The Ag@PTX nanoparticles were charged with a zeta potential of about -17 mv and characterized around 2 nm with a narrow size distribution. Results: Ag@PTX significantly decreased the viability of A549 cells and possessed selectivity between cancer and normal cells. Ag@PTX induced A549 cells apoptosis was confirmed by nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation, and activation of caspase-3. Furthermore, Ag@PTX enhanced the anti-cancer activity of A549 cells through ROS-mediated p53 and AKT signalling pathways. Finally, in a xenograft nude mice model, Ag@PTX suppressed the growth of tumors. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Ag@PTX may be a candidate as a chemopreventive agent and could be a highly efficient way to achieve anticancer synergism for human cancers.