Anticancer activity of VOHPO4•2H2O Nanoparticles in vitro

Abstract In the present report the anticancer activity of VOHPO4•2H2O nanoparticles with an average diameter of 75 nm and spherical morphology is evidenced. The toxicity against MCF-7 and SiHa cells is higher than for Vero cells indicating a selectivity towards tumors cells. The optimal concentration of 25 μgml-1 shows a viability of 85% for Vero cells, 56% for MCF-7 cells and 61% for SiHa cells. The mechanism of action is proposed and involves the dissolution of VOHPO4•2H2O nanoparticles to release VO2+ and VO2+ ions. VOHPO4•2H2O nanoparticles show a selectivity towards breast cancer cells compared to a human non cancer line indicating their potential application for cancer therapy.