Metal Nanoparticles Via Green Synthesis: A New Cancer Treatment Approach

Abstract

Cancer is one of the most abundant lethal diseases globally threatening public health. There is considerable research effort on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. The current practices for cancer treatment are usage of synthetic chemicals (i.e. chemotherapy), radiotherapy, and surgery. Besides these conventional therapies, there are contemporary, innovative approaches, e.g., targeting of the drugs to the cancerous tissues, synergetic enhancement via simultaneous usage of conventional methods, and contemporary methods. Therefore, the process of drug research and development in the field of cancer is increasingly challenging, due to the limited success of current therapies and the constant need to find safer and more effective novel approaches. The utilization of nanotechnology may present new opportunities in cancer treatment. Metal nanoparticles prepared via "bottom-up" approach may be used for triggering the selective cell apoptosis mechanisms for cancerous cells, while sparing healthy cells considerably. © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.