Exploring targeted apoptosis in huh-7 human liver cancer cell line through Mentha Officinalis-mediated gold nanoparticles: an in vitro study

Functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have emerged as promising tools for targeted cancer therapy due to their unique physicochemical properties and tunable surface chemistry. Research has highlighted hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as a significant global health concern, ranking as the fifth most prevalent cancer and the third leading cause of mortality worldwide. Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, effectively combating this disease remains challenging. Therefore, there is a pressing need to explore novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Cancer nanotechnology has emerged as a promising field in medicine, aiming to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and treatment. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs/AuNPs) have garnered considerable attention due to their biocompatibility, ability to undergo surface modifications with various ligands, and exceptional optical properties, offering potential avenues for innovation in cancer management. In the present study, the potential of biosynthesized AuNPs functionalized with Mentha officinalis aqueous extract (MO-AuNPs) was explored for selectively inducing apoptosis in human liver cancer cell line (Huh-7). This research delves into various aspects of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized using Mentha officinalis extract, including synthesis, stability, antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis induction potential. The synthesis of MO-AuNPs is described, mechanistic insights into apoptosis induction by MO-AuNPs are provided.