Abstract
Therapeutic applications of arsenic trioxide (ATO) are limited due to their severe adverse effects. However, nanoparticles of ATO might possess inimitable biologic effects based on their structure and size which differ from their parent molecules. Based on this conception, AsNPs were synthesized from ATO and comparatively analysed for their interaction mechanism with DNA using spectroscopic & electrochemical techniques. Finally, anti-proliferative activity was assessed against different breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 & MCF-7) and normal non-cancerous cells (HEK-293). The DNA interaction study revealed that AsNPs and ATO exhibit binding constant values in the order of 106 which indicates strong binding interaction. Binding of AsNPs did not disturb the structural integrity of DNA, on the other hand an opposing effect was observed with ATO through biophysical techniques. Further, in vitro study, confirms cytotoxicity of ATO and AsNPs against different cells, however at particular concentration ATO exhibits more cytotoxicity than that of AsNPs. Furthermore, cytotoxicity was confirmed through acridine orange and comet assay. In conclusion, AsNPs are safer than ATO with comparable efficacy and might be a suitable candidate for the development of novel therapeutic agent against breast cancer and other solid tumours.
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•Arsenic nanoparticles (AsNPs) were synthesized from arsenic trioxide (ATO).•DNA interaction mechanisms were comparatively analyzed the using AsNPs and ATO.•AsNPs showed considerable cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells.•AsNPs showed less toxicity as compared to native ATO compounds.•The current research could help to overcome adverse effect of arsenic compounds.