title: Singlet oxygen mediated DNA degradation by copper nanoparticles: potential towards cytotoxic effect on cancer cells.
abstract: The DNA degradation potential and anti-cancer activities of copper nanoparticles of 4-5 nm size are reported. A dose dependent degradation of isolated DNA molecules by copper nanoparticles through generation of singlet oxygen was observed. Singlet oxygen scavengers such as sodium azide and Tris [hydroxyl methyl] amino methane were able to prevent the DNA degradation action of copper nanoparticles confirming the involvement of activated oxygen species in the degradation process. Additionally, it was observed that the copper nanoparticles are able to exert cytotoxic effect towards U937 and Hela cells of human histiocytic lymphoma and human cervical cancer origins, respectively by inducing apoptosis. The growth characteristics of U937 and Hela cells were studied applying various concentrations of the copper nanoparticles.
authors: Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research-Kolkata, Mohanpur Campus, Mohanpur - 741252, India.
authors: Gregor P
authors: GP
authors: Jose
authors: Subhankar
authors: S
authors: Santra
authors: Swadhin K
authors: SK
authors: Mandal
authors: Tapas K
authors: TK
authors: Sengupta
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D003300:Copper / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000187:drug effects*; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D026082:Singlet Oxygen / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019810:Sodium Azide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014325:Tromethamine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D020298:U937 Cells
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D014325:Tromethamine; D026082:Singlet Oxygen; D003300:Copper; D019810:Sodium Azide