Cytotoxicity in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells, without Harming MCF-10A Healthy Cells

Globally, breast cancer in women has become a major issue of concern, especially with treatment methods that are harmful to the patients. This research involved the trisodium citrate dihydrate (TSCD) reduction and capping of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to be used as a drug delivery system for Boswellia sacra (BS) and Commiphora myrrha (CM) to induce cytotoxicity in breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 without harming MCF-10A healthy cells. Characterization and size of nanoparticles were confirmed by UV-Visible Spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy. A pristine sample of monodispersed gold nanoparticles from 15-20 nm in size was produced. Pure plant extract was obtained and identification was confirmed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. Once synthesized, two concentrations of the compound were sent and tested on breast cancer cell lines MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and MCF-10A at the Brantley Cancer Research Laboratory at Loma Linda University Health, School of Medicine in Loma Linda, California. Results showed cytotoxicity in both cell lines, more aggressive in triple-negative cells, without harm to healthy MCF-10A cells. Utility Patent has been filed with the USPTO.