مرکز تحقیقات بیولوژی کاربردی تکوین جانوری

The biosynthesis of nanoparticles is widely considered today. This investigation was aimed
at the biosynthesis and coating of Ag.NPs with Zataria multiflora (Zm-Ag.NPs) leaf extract
and assessment of its apoptosis promoting effects. The Zm-Ag.NPs was characterized by UVvisible and FTIR spectroscopy, TEM, EDS, DLS, and measurement of zeta-potential. Apoptosis
induction effects of Zm-Ag.NPs were assessed using acridine orange – propidium iodide (AO/
PI), DAPI staining, caspase3/9 activation assay, and annexinV/PI assay. Changes in P53, matrix
metalloproteinases 2 (MMPs), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) genes
expression were also assessed with semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The UV-visible spectroscopy
results showed that the surface plasmon resonance band (SRP) for Zm-Ag.NPs was about
440 nm, also, FTIR spectroscopy indicated that plant material embedded around Zm-Ag.NPs.
The TEM images of the samples revealed that the Ag.NPs varied in morphology and also, the
presence of silver element was monitored with EDS. The mean size of Zm-Ag.NPs was 30 nm.
The Zm-Ag.NPs reduced cell viability in a dose and time dependent manner (IC50 = 15 μg/mL).
AO/PI and DAPI staining indicated chromatin fragmentation and annexinV externalization
assay using flow cytometer, confirmed promotion of programmed cell death in the treated cells.
Apoptosis was induced through caspase 3/9 activation pathway. This promotion of apoptosis
effects is not related with P53 gene up regulation. Finally, it was found that Zm-Ag.NPs inhibited
cancer cell metastasis through a decrease in MMP and VEGFA expression. Zm-Ag.NPs acts as
carrier of the plant material compound, and can be applied as anticancer agents.