Multifunctional Effects of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles on Glioblastoma Multiform Cancer Cells

Glioblastoma multiforme is an aggressive brain tumor with limited therapeutic options. This study evaluated the multifunctional anticancer effects of curcumin-synthesized silver nanoparticles (curcumin-AgNPs) on the U-87 glioblastoma cell line. Curcumin-AgNPs were biosynthesized using curcumin as a reducing and stabilizing agent and characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay. The mRNA expression of apoptosis- and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes was quantified by real-time PCR. DLS and TEM analyses revealed curcumin-AgNPs with sizes of 56.27±4.59 nm and 22±3 nm, respectively. Curcumin-AgNPs reduced U-87 MG cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Analysis of apoptosis-related genes showed an increased BAX/BCL2L1 ratio. Additionally, FN1 and VIM were downregulated to 0.48- and 0.60-fold, respectively, indicating inhibitory effects on EMT and the metastatic potential of U-87 MG cells. These findings indicated that curcumin-AgNPs exhibit cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic, and EMT-modulating effects in U-87 MG cells, highlighting their potential as a multifunctional nanoplatform for glioblastoma research. Further studies are required to elucidate their underlying mechanisms.