In Vitro Cytotoxicity of Zingiber officinale -Mediated Gold Nanoparticles against Melanoma Cell Lines

Abstract

Aim: The present work investigates the cytotoxic activity of a candidate compound against A375 human melanoma cells. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided ultrastructural details and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was applied to evaluate alterations in functional groups.

Materials and Methods: A375 cells were seeded in 96-well plates at 1 × 10⁴ cells/well, treated with serial dilutions of the compound for 48 h, and analyzed for viability through formazan formation. Cell morphology was preserved with ethanol-acetic acid fixation for SEM observation, and FTIR spectra were collected to examine compound-related molecular interactions.

Results: The treatment produced a dose-responsive reduction in viability, with an IC₅₀ value of 4.6 ± 0.3 µg/mL. At higher doses, SEM micrographs revealed morphological hallmarks consistent with apoptosis, including bleb formation and cellular shrinkage. FTIR signatures indicated shifts in protein and lipid regions, suggesting direct interaction with cellular macromolecules.

Conclusion: The compound displays significant in vitro cytotoxicity against A375 melanoma cells, with supporting evidence from morphological and spectral analyses. While the findings highlight potential bioactivity, they are preliminary and require confirmation through broader studies involving additional models and more specific mechanistic assays.