Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles using Bauhinia kockiana Extract Inhibit HeLa Cancer Cells Proliferation and Migratory Ability Via Akt-dependent Pathway
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.11753Keywords:
Silver nanoparticles, Bauhinia kockiana, Green synthesis, Anticancer, Antimetastasis, Scratch assay, Immunofluorescence, ICW assay, PI3K/AKT, Silver nanoparticles, Bauhinia kockiana, Green synthesis, Anticancer, Antimetastasis, Scratch assay, Immunofluorescence, ICW assay, PI3K/AKTAbstract
Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide, with high-risk HPV infection and dysregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway playing key roles in its pathogenesis. Current therapeutic strategies are limited by toxicity, resistance, and recurrence, highlighting the need for safer and more effective alternatives. In this study, we explored the potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized via a green approach using Bauhinia kockiana leaf extract (BK-AgNPs) as an anticancer agent against HeLa cervical cancer cells. The synthesis of BK-AgNPs was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, showing surface plasmon resonance peaks at 433 - 443 nm, and particle size analysis revealed an average size of 40 nm with good stability. The anticancer effects of BK-AgNPs were evaluated through scratch assays, In-Cell Western (ICW), and immunofluorescence assays. Results demonstrated that BK-AgNPs inhibited HeLa cell migration significantly compared to the control group, which correlated with reduced expression of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), Snail, and Vimentin. These findings suggest that BK-AgNPs exert their effects by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway and suppression of Snail and Vimentin expression, further confirming inhibition of EMT. Collectively, these outcomes demonstrate that BK-AgNPs can effectively impair HeLa cell proliferation and migratory capacity by modulating oncogenic signaling pathways. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that BK-AgNPs synthesized using B. kockiana extract represent a promising, environmentally friendly therapeutic approach for cervical cancer, warranting further investigation in preclinical in vivo models to validate efficacy and safety.
HIGHLIGHTS
- This is the first study regarding the utilization of kockiana to synthesize AgNPs and evaluate the anticancer potential.
- AgNPs synthesis using kockiana extract exhibits high yields and excellent stability.
- BK-AgNPs can inhibit the expression of p-Akt, Snail, and Vimentin in HeLa cells.
- BK-AgNPs exert anticancer and antimetastatic effects, even in low concentrations.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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