Evaluating the Anticancer Potential of Green-Synthesized Silver/Silver Oxide and Copper/Copper Oxide Nanoparticles From Walnut Leaf Extract on Prostate Cancer Cells

Abstract

Green synthesis is a method used to obtain metal/metal oxide nanoparticles from plant roots, stems, and leaves. In this study, Ag/Ag2O and Cu/CuO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by utilizing the reducing, stabilizing and capping properties of the extract obtained from walnut (Juglans regia) leaves. The characteristic properties of the synthesized NPs were determined using UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV-vis), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDX), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). SEM images showed that Ag/Ag2O and Cu/CuO NPs were spherical in shape, with particle diameters ranging from 15 to 85 nm. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of silver, copper, and oxygen elements. The cytotoxic activity of the green-synthesized NPs was evaluated in vitro against PC3 prostate cancer cells and L929 fibroblast cells. Ag/Ag2O and Cu/CuO NPs exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against PC3 cells but showed comparatively lower cytotoxicity toward L929 cells. In contrast, the walnut leaf extract alone did not exhibit cytotoxic activity. According to the results, the synthesized nanoparticles demonstrated a cytotoxic effect on PC3 prostate cancer cells, and this effect was mediated through apoptosis.