Utilization of Green Synthesized Chitosan Gold Nanoparticles for Oral Cancer Treatment Using Laser Flow Cytometry: In-Vitro Study

Alaaeldin, Sara; Hamdy, Omnia; El-tayeb, El-Sayed; Zaky, Ahmed Abbas; Deif, Heba NM; Faid, Amna

doi:10.21608/ejchem.2025.408225.12126

Utilization of Green Synthesized Chitosan Gold Nanoparticles for Oral Cancer Treatment Using Laser Flow Cytometry: In-Vitro Study

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Medical Applications of Laser, National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences (NILES), Cairo University

² Cairo University

³ National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences (NILES), Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

⁴ Microbiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

⁵ Department of laser sciences and interactions, National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences (NILES), Cairo University

10.21608/ejchem.2025.408225.12126

Abstract

This study reports the eco-friendly synthesis, comprehensive characterization, and in vitro cytotoxic evaluation of chitosan-reduced gold nanoparticles (Cs@AuNPs). Cs@AuNPs were synthesized by reducing chloroauric acid using chitosan as both a reducing and stabilizing agent, yielding a stable ruby-red colloidal solution. The formation of nanoparticles was confirmed by UV-Visible spectroscopy, with a surface plasmon resonance peak observed at 522 nm. Transmission electron microscopy revealed spherical nanoparticles with a size distribution of 14 ± 2 nm, while zeta potential measurements indicated high colloidal stability (+28 mV). FTIR analysis confirmed the involvement of chitosan’s amino and hydroxyl functional groups in the reduction and stabilization processes. The cytotoxic potential of Cs@AuNPs was assessed using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay on oral epithelial cells (OEC), revealing dose-dependent effects with acceptable cell viability at concentrations up to 100 μg/mL. Further analysis using Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometry demonstrated that Cs@AuNPs induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner, with early and late apoptotic populations clearly distinguishable. These findings highlight the biocompatibility and potential therapeutic application of Cs@AuNPs, suggesting their suitability for further development in cancer diagnostics and targeted delivery systems.

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