Green Synthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles Using Allium sativum Extract: In-vitro Evaluation of their Anticancer Potential against Breast Carcinoma

Abstract

A green synthesis approach was implemented to establish an economical and environmentally favorable protocol to produce selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) by utilizing aqueous extract from Allium sativum. The Se-NPs were characterized using a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The anticancer efficacy of Se-NPs was assessed using MCF-7 cell line and it demonstrated concentration-dependent suppression of MCF-7 cell proliferation. The activation of caspases by Se-NP treatment was further demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy, which resulted in the development of typical apoptotic features, including nuclear condensation and cell membrane blebbing. Furthermore, the Se-NP exposure was linked to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), suggesting that oxidative stress is a critical mediator of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Overall, the results indicate that Se-NPs can act as a selective anticancer drug and induce apoptosis through ROS-mediated pathways. These findings lend credence to the ability of green synthesized Se-NPs as a novel nanotherapeutic platform for cancer treatment.