Antibacterial and anticancer activities of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles using Artemisia khorassanica extract: Bax and Bcl2 apoptosis gene expression analysis

Introdution: Recently, the biosynthesis of nanoparticles and the use of medicinal plants for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has attracted researchers due to its low cost and eco-friendly characteristics. The aim of this study was to synthesis of AgNPs using Artemisia khorassanica and analysis of its antibacterial and anti-cancer activities. Methods: In this experimental study, ethanolic extract of A. khorassanica was prepared and AgNPs was synthesized. Subsequently, Antibacterial and anti-cancer activities of AgNPs on lung cancer cell line were assessed using microdilution and MTT methods, respectively. Finally, the Bax and Bcl2 apoptotic gene expression was analyzed via Real Time PCR. Results: The result of antibacterial activity showed that the AgNPs had a significant effect on gram negative bacteria. In addition to, AgNPs in 100 µg/mL had significant cytotoxic effect to lung cancer cell line. The statistical analysis of Real Time PCR results by one-way ANOVA test indicated that the Bax and Bcl2 gene expression were 3.03±0.67 (P<0.001) up-regulated and 0.38±0.15 (P<0.001) down-regulated, respectively. Conclusion: The results show that the biosynthesis of AgNPs using A. khorassanica extract is low-cost and simple and due to its antibacterial and anticancer activities can be used as drug candidate.