Synthesis and Characterization of Nickel Nanoparticles of Gloriosa Superba and Its Anti-Angiogenic Activity in Cervical Cancer

Abstract Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide that arises from the transformation of normal cells into tumour cells in a multi-stage process. There is always a stable demand for new therapies to treat cancer. Research communities is showing interest towards nanoparticles along with naturally-derived compounds as they are considered as less toxic compared to chemotherapy and radiation. The present study is to develop a fast, eco-friendly synthesis of Gloriosa superba nickel nanoparticles (GSNiNPs) using methanolic extract of Gloriosa superba tuber which acts as a reducing agent and has an active principle against cancer activity. Nickel nanoparticles are considered as good adsorbents due to their chemical and magnetic properties. The synthesised GSNiNPs were characterized using UV Visible spectroscopy, which showed a prominent peak at 350 nm verified the formation of NiNps by the reduction of bioactive compounds of Gloriosa superba towards metal salts. FTIR confirmed that the GSNiNPs were functionalized with biomolecules. SEM and TEM analysis revealed that GSNiNPs are slightly spherical and agglomerated nanoparticles. The in-vitro cytotoxic activity of Gloriosa superba nickel nanoparticles in HeLa cancer cell lines was analyzed using MTT assay, wound healing assay, DAPI staining and double staining. In vitro anti-angiogenic efficacy of Gloriosa superba-nickel nanoparticles was evaluated via the expression pattern of caspase 3 and 9, VEGF A and VEGF B through reverse transcriptase-PCR. The results revealed that Gloriosa superba nickel nanoparticles possess apoptotic and anti-angiogenic effects in HeLa cell lines by inhibiting VEGF A and B and increasing the levels of caspase 3 and 9. GSNiNPs can act as an effective anti-cancer therapeutic agent for cervical cancer cells. In conclusion, the synthesized GSNiNPs can bring a new approach to improve the bioavailability of drug-responsive for the treatment of cervical cancer.