Bioengineered Silver Nanoparticles Suppress Cancer and Atherosclerosis by Inducing Oxidative Stress

This study demonstrates the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using traditional tea Borovnica (Vaccinium myrtillus) extract in a single-step process without the need for toxic chemicals. The method is characterized as environmentally friendly, simple, and cost-effective, relying on an aqueous plant extract that serves dual roles as a reducing and stabilizing agent for AgNPs. Characterization of the VMT-AgNPs was conducted using UV–Vis spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at 305 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the plant extract’s function as both a capping and reducing agent. FESEM and TEM analysis indicated oval-shaped NPs with average diameters of 52 nm and 80 nm, respectively. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited cytotoxic effects against breast adenocarcinoma epithelial cells (MDA-MB-231) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), with observed dose-dependent decreases in cell viability and calculated inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) of 30 ± 1.5 and 18 ± 1.3 µg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, the study explored the anti-cancer and anti-atherosclerotic potential of VMT-AgNPs through ROS-mediated cytotoxicity assessment. Overall, these findings suggest that VMT-AgNPs derived from traditional tea Borovnica extract warrant further investigation for their potential applications in cancer therapy and atherosclerosis treatment.