Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Conjugated with Folate and Curcumin for Their Anti-Cancer Activity

Nanoparticles are small particles with sizes ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers. Silver nanoparticles, composed of silver at the nanoscale, have been widely used in various fields including medicine, healthcare, food, and commercial industries. While silver nanoparticles can be harmful to normal cells depending on their concentration and exposure time, they are highly effective for wound healing and antibacterial applications. Historically, silver was used as a natural antibiotic. In this study, silver nanoparticles were conjugated with curcumin and folic acid using the glutaraldehyde method due to their anti-cancer properties. Curcumin is known for its ability to kill cancer cells, while folic acid—an organic form of vitamin B9—helps in the creation and preservation of healthy cells. The silver nanoparticles were first modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG), then conjugated with curcumin and folic acid. Curcumin was attached through the NH2 group, and folic acid was linked via the carbonyl group, both through PEG. The average crystalline size was calculated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and functional groups were identified using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). These silver nanoparticles are considered to be more beneficial and less harmful than traditional chemotherapy or radiotherapy for targeting and destroying tumor cells.