Cyanobacteria-Based Nanoparticles and Their Therapeutic Potential in Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for innovative and effective therapeutic approaches. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising field in cancer research due to the unique physicochemical properties of nanoparticles (NPs). Among various biological systems, cyanobacteria have gained considerable attention as eco-friendly and efficient platforms for nanoparticle biosynthesis because of their rapid growth, metabolic diversity, and ability to produce bioactive compounds.

     This review highlights the role of cyanobacteria-mediated nanoparticles in cancer therapy, with particular emphasis on zinc oxide (ZnO), gold (Au), and silver (Ag) nanoparticles. Cyanobacteria are capable of synthesizing nanoparticles through both intracellular and extracellular mechanisms, producing nanomaterials with significant biomedical potential. ZnO nanoparticles exhibit anticancer activity mainly through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis induction in cancer cells. Gold nanoparticles have demonstrated promising applications in photodynamic and photothermal therapies by enhancing targeted tumor destruction while reducing damage to healthy tissues. Furthermore, silver nanoparticles have shown strong anticancer effects through selective tumor targeting, ROS generation, DNA damage, and apoptotic pathways.

     Overall, cyanobacteria-based nanoparticles represent promising candidates for cancer treatment due to their targeted therapeutic potential and biological compatibility. However, additional studies are still required to assess their long-term safety, toxicity, and clinical applicability for future cancer therapies.