Silver Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapeutics

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as versatile agents in oncology, owing to their distinctive physicochemical properties and multifaceted mechanisms of action. Their high surface‐area-to-volume ratio enables the conjugation of therapeutic molecules, targeting ligands or imaging agents, facilitating precise drug delivery and real-time monitoring. Cytotoxicity is often mediated by induction of oxidative stress through reactive oxygen species (ROS), eliciting DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of apoptosis. Surface functionalisation with proteins, polymers or chemotherapeutic agents enhances biocompatibility and tumour specificity, reducing off-target effects. In addition, AgNPs can be engineered for photothermal therapy, converting light into heat to ablate neoplastic tissues. Recent advances encompass theranostic platforms that combine diagnostic imaging with treatment, and combinatorial approaches in which AgNPs potentiate conventional chemotherapeutics or pathway inhibitors. Collectively, these studies underscore the global significance of AgNPs as a platform for targeted, multimodal cancer therapeutics.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Innovative work has demonstrated that albumin-coated silver nanoparticles selectively accumulate in breast cancer cells and induce apoptosis with minimal impact on normal cells. These nanoparticles exploit the enhanced permeability and retention effect, while the albumin shell facilitates cellular uptake and reduces immunogenicity. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed significant tumour suppression through the activation of caspase-dependent pathways, alongside reduced proliferation markers and tumour volume. This foundational study highlights the potential of biocompatible coatings to improve the therapeutic index of AgNPs and paves the way for tailored nanoparticle designs that target specific cancer subtypes.

Silver Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapeutics publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in silver nanoparticles in cancer therapeutics across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Apoptosis: Programmed cell death characterised by cell shrinkage, DNA fragmentation and membrane blebbing.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive molecules derived from oxygen that can damage cellular components and signal apoptosis.

Zeta potential: The electrical potential at the nanoparticle surface that influences colloidal stability and cellular interactions.

Functionalisation: The process of attaching molecules (e.g. proteins, drugs) to nanoparticle surfaces to confer targeting or therapeutic properties.

Theranostics: A combined approach integrating diagnostic imaging and therapy within a single nanomaterial platform.

References

1. Suppression of sonic hedgehog pathway-based proliferation in glioblastoma cells by small-size silver nanoparticles in vitro. Archives of Toxicology (2023).
2. Synthesis and Characterization of Paclitaxel‐Loaded Silver Nanoparticles: Evaluation of Cytotoxic Effects and Antimicrobial Activity. Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications (2024).
3. Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. and Salvia verticillata L. Extracts Inhibit Migration and Modulate Redox Homeostasis in Human Breast Cancer Cells via Nrf-2 Signaling Pathway. Antioxidants (2025).
4. Anti-cancerous effect of albumin coated silver nanoparticles on MDA-MB 231 human breast cancer cell line. Scientific Reports (2017).
5. Silver Nanoparticles: Synthetic Routes, In Vitro Toxicity and Theranostic Applications for Cancer Disease. Nanomaterials (2018).
6. A Current Overview of the Biological and Cellular Effects of Nanosilver. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2018).