journal article·2026-07-14Open access

Green synthesis of Simarouba glauca seed-mediated silver nanoparticles: physicochemical characterization and cytotoxic mechanisms in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells

V. Mariya Angel Augasta, Venkatesh Rajendran, B. Kowsalya, R. T. Narendhirakannan, S. Kathiravan, Shobana Sampath, Mohammad Z. Ahmed, M. Dhinakaran, Jayasutha Jayram, Ali Kudamba

Discover Nano· Volume 21· Issue 1

Abstract

This study aims to synthesize Simarouba glauca seed-mediated silver nanoparticles (Sg-AgNPs) through an eco-friendly approach and to evaluate their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer efficacy against HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. To characterize biosynthesized Sg-AgNPs' optical properties, functional groups, crystallinity, morphology, particle size, and elemental composition, UV-Visible spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, and EDX were used. Nanoparticles exhibiting a surface plasmon resonance peak at 430 nm and TEM showing 15-60 nm spherical particles. Studies showed considerable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic actions against HepG2 cells, with an IC₅₀ value of 42.7 µg/mL. Sg-AgNPs limit cancer cell growth via oxidative stress and apoptosis. These results demonstrate Simarouba glauca-mediated AgNPs as a durable and physiologically beneficial nanoplatform for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications · Phytochemical compounds biological activities · Graphene and Nanomaterials Applications

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