Biosynthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles using Brazilian red propolis and evaluation of its antimicrobial and anticancer activities

Author(s)

Botteon, C. E. A. ^[1] ; Silva, L. B. ^[1] ; Ccana-Ccapatinta, G. V. ^[2] ; Silva, T. S. ^[3] ; Ambrosio, S. R. ^[3] ; Veneziani, R. C. S. ^[3] ; Bastos, J. K. ^[2] ; Marcato, P. D. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Pharmaceut Sci Ribeirao Preto, GNanoBio, Ave Cafe S-N, BR-14040903 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Pharmaceut Sci Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] UNIFRAN, Res Ctr Exact & Technol Sci, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 11, n. 1 JAN 21 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 13

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are highlighted due to their low toxicity, compatibility with the human body, high surface area to volume ratio, and surfaces that can be easily modified with ligands. Biosynthesis of AuNPs using plant extract is considered a simple, low-cost, and eco-friendly approach. Brazilian Red Propolis (BRP), a product of bees, exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. Here, we described the biosynthesis of AuNPs using BRP extract (AuNPextract) and its fractions (AuNPhexane, AuNPdichloromethane, AuNPethyl acetate) and evaluated their structural properties and their potential against microorganisms and cancer cells. AuNPs showed a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 535 nm. The sizes and morphologies were influenced by the BRP sample used in the reaction. FTIR and TGA revealed the involvement of bioactive compounds from BRP extract or its fractions in the synthesis and stabilization of AuNPs. AuNPdichloromethane and AuNPhexane exhibited antimicrobial activities against all strains tested, showing their efficacy as antimicrobial agents to treat infectious diseases. AuNPs showed dose-dependent cytotoxic activity both in T24 and PC-3 cells. AuNPdichloromethane and AuNPextract exhibited the highest in vitro cytotoxic effect. Also, the cytotoxicity of biogenic nanoparticles was induced by mechanisms associated with apoptosis. The results highlight a potential low-cost green method using Brazilian red propolis to synthesize AuNPs, which demonstrated significant biological properties. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/04138-8 - Attainment of chemical, analytical, biological, pharmacological and technological studies to fill the gaps on the development of Brazilian propolis sector
• Grantee: Jairo Kenupp Bastos
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/50928-2 - INCT 2014: Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology: a transdisciplinary approach
• Grantee: Maria Vitória Lopes Badra Bentley
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/13465-5 - Development of polymeric nanoparticles with Brazilian red propolis and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of antitumor effect in urological cancers
• Grantee: Priscyla Daniely Marcato Gaspari
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants