Biosynthesis of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Using Adansonia digitata for in vitro Anticancer, Antidiabetic and Drug Release Applications

Abstract

In the present work, mesoporous silica nanoparticles were synthesized using Adansonia digitata leaf extract through a green approach. The use of the plant extract helped limit the use of harsh chemicals and also improved the biological nature of the material. The formation of the nanoparticles was confirmed by SEM and FTIR studies. SEM images showed nanosized particles with irregular to near spherical shapes and a rough surface appearance. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of hydroxyl and organic functional groups along with characteristic silica bands, indicating that plant-derived compounds were present on the nanoparticle surface. During biological studies, the nanoparticles showed a noticeable reduction in the growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells with increasing concentration. The IC₅₀ value was calculated to be close to 25 µg/mL, suggesting a moderate cytotoxic effect. In addition, the nanoparticles exhibited good free radical scavenging activity, showing more than 60 percent inhibition at higher concentrations, although the activity was slightly lower when compared to the standard compound. In the inflammation study, the nanoparticles showed a clear increase in inhibition with increasing concentration and at higher doses the effect was close to the standard drug. The antidiabetic study indicated moderate inhibition of α-amylase, with nearly 50% inhibition at 75 µg/mL, while the standard drug showed stronger activity. Drug release experiments showed an initial faster release followed by a slower release over time, with almost complete release within 24 hours. Taken together, the results indicate that Adansonia digitata extract based mesoporous silica nanoparticles show multiple biological effects along with controlled release behavior. Further animal studies are needed, but the findings suggest that this system may be useful for combined therapeutic applications.