Therapeutic potential of marine sponges and nanoparticles: A study on siphonochalina siphonella and AgNPs

This work investigates the cytotoxic potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) combined with ethyl acetate extract of Siphonochalina siphonella against cancer cell lines. Post-lyophilization AgNPs showed size, charge, and polydispersity index (PDI) changes within ideal nanoparticle parameters. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed tiny AgNPs ( 0.5 μm). Combining Siphonochalina siphonella extracts with AgNPs increased cytotoxicity in A549, HT-29, and MCF7 cells. The cytotoxicity was selective for cancer cells over HUVEC cells. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)  examination revealed major chemical components in Siphonochalina siphonella, such as celastrol, ergostane, and neviotin A. Molecular docking studies demonstrated favorable binding energies of these compounds with kinase domains of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase domain and tyrosine kinase receptor a (TrkA), suggesting potential inhibition. Notably, ergostane exhibited strong affinity and hydrogen bond formation with key amino acid residues, indicating promising anti-cancer therapeutic potential. This study provides a comprehensive structural analysis highlighting the synergistic cytotoxicity of Siphonochalina siphonella extract with AgNPs and their potential as effective anticancer agents. AgNPs with sponge-derived compounds can be modified to increase their anti-cancer properties. If conducted in vivo, these results may lead to promising advanced use in biomedicine.