Microwave-assisted synchronous nanogold synthesis reinforced by kenaf seed and decoding their biocompatibility and anticancer activity

The combination of green nanotechnology and biology may contribute to anticancer therapy. In this regard, using gold nanoparticles (GNPs) as therapeutic molecules can be a promising strategy. Herein, we proposed a novel biocompatible nanogold constructed by simply microwave-heating (MWI) Au³⁺ ions and kenaf seed (KS) extract (as a reducing and supporting agent) within a minute. The pathways of gold nanoparticles (KS@GNPs) synthesis were optimized by varying KS concentration (λ_max 528 nm), gold salt amount (λ_max 524 nm), and MWI times (λ_max 522 nm). TEM displayed spherical shape and narrow size distribution (5-19.5 nm) of KS@GNPs whereas DLS recorded a Z-average size of 121.7 d.nm with a zeta potential of -33.7 mV. XRD and SAED ring patterns confirmed high crystallinity and crystalline face centred cubic structure of gold. FTIR explored OH functional group involved in Au³⁺ ions reduction followed by GNPs stabilization. KS@GNPs exposure to RAW 264.7 and NIH3T3 cell lines did not induce toxicity while dose-dependent overt cell toxicity and reduced cell viability (26.6%) was observed in LN-229 cells. Furthermore, the IC₅₀ (18.79 µg/mL) treatment to the cancer cell triggered cellular damages, excessive ROS generation, and apoptosis. Overall, this research exploits a sustainable method of KS@GNPs synthesis and their anticancer therapy. Taking all those aspects into account, our synthesized KS@GNPs still require in-depth research concerning their safe use in clinical settings.