Abstract

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by bio-inspired route, a cost effective and fast synthesis method. Structural and morphological characterization of nanoparticles was performed by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The cytotoxic activity of both nanoparticles and Plantago major extract containing nanoparticles against a human breast cancer cell (MCF-7) was studied in vitro. MTT (3-4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays were performed using various concentrations of P. major extract (alone) and extract containing AgNPs ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 A mu g/ml. Data analysis showed significant level of cytotoxic activity. The potential cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles in the treatment of breast cancer is discussed.