Green Synthesis of Ag-MgO Nanocomposites Using Solanum nigrum Leaf Extract and Their Anti-cancer Activity Against A549 Lung Cancer Cells

Background Lung cancer is broadly known as the second leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Non-specific targeting, chemoresistance, and several side effects remain significant challenges regardless of the improvements in therapy, such as chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Objectives To overcome these therapeutic limitations, new approaches to treat lung cancer are essential. Nanocarriers have a number of benefits, including improved medication stability, increased circulation time, and controlled delivery to tumor locations, with the latter minimizing off-target effects. The objective of researchers is to increase the bioavailability of phytoconstituents and their therapeutics, as well as reduce systemic toxicity through entrapment in nanocarriers. Moreover, the combination of nanotechnology and phytoconstituents makes it possible to have a more sophisticated understanding of the intricate biochemical mechanisms underlying the etiology of lung cancer. Materials and Methods In the present research, silver-magnesium oxide (Ag-MgO) nanocomposites have been prepared through the green route using the leaf extracts of the Solanum nigrum plant. These nanocomposites obtained through the synthesis were verified using the characterization methods, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), and dynamic light scattering analysis. In addition, the impact of synthesized nanoparticles on cell viability and caspase activities was also studied. Results The Ag-MgO nanocomposite consisted of uniformly dispersed nanoparticles with an average size of approximately 40 nm, as revealed by SEM analysis. The elemental composition of Ag, Mg, and O was confirmed by EDAX analysis. Ag-MgO nanocomposites exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity against A549 cells, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration value of 5.632 µg/mL. Treatment with Ag-MgO nanocomposites induced a significant increase in caspase activity at the tested concentrations, indicating their potential to promote apoptosis. Conclusion The Ag-MgO nanocomposites are, therefore, excellent candidates for alleviating lung cancer effects.