Synthesis of silver nanoparticles reduced by Bingöl propolis and evaluation of antioxidant, anticancer and cytotoxic activities in PC-3 cells.

[BACKGROUND] Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have garnered great attention due to their biocompatibility and environmental safety. However, no prior study has focused on the synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of AgNPs prepared with Bingol propolis (PrAgNPs).

[METHODS AND RESULTS] PrAgNPs were synthesized using a green chemistry approach and characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD analysis confirmed the presence of predominantly cubic crystals, and TEM analysis revealed an average particle size of 14.45 ± 3.44 nm. Zeta potential measurements indicated a negative surface charge of - 24.6 mV, suggesting good colloidal stability. LC-MS analysis identified acacetin and etoposide as key phenolic compounds in the ethanol extract of propolis (EEP). The antioxidant activity of PrAgNPs was assessed by DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays, showing significantly higher activity compared to EEP. The cytotoxicity and anticancer potential were evaluated in the PC-3 prostate cancer cell line using the WST-1 assay and Western blot analysis. PrAgNPs effectively inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis as evidenced by elevated levels of cytochrome c and pro-caspase-3 proteins.

[CONCLUSIONS] This study demonstrated that PrAgNPs, synthesized by an environmentally friendly route, possess potent antioxidant and anti-cancer activities. These findings highlight the promising therapeutic potential of PrAgNPs for future applications in cancer treatment.