Surface Functionalization of Silver Nanoparticles by 4-Amino, 3, 5-Dimercapto, 1, 2, 4 Triazole for Improved Intracellular Uptake and Biocompatibility

In this study, novel chemically reduced silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were functionalized with new 4-amino, 3, 5-dimercapto, 1, 2, 4 triazole (DMT) moiety. Nucleation and formation of the functionalized silver nanoparticles was monitored using UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. UV/Vis-spectroscopy, zeta-potential, XRD, SEM, TEM, and FTIR analysis techniques confirmed the functionalization of AgNPs by DMT ligand having particle sizes 50–51 nm. The dimercapto-functionalized silver nanoparticles (DMT-AgNPs) showed high antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. We found that the DMT-AgNPs had the potential to inhibit growth with cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis of MCF-7 cancer cell in dose-dependent manner with an IC 50 value of 18.46% v/v. Our results showed that the DMT-AgNPs inhibited cancer cell line proliferation with a mechanism of action similar to that of other tubulin inhibitors. It is interestingly observed that the newly developed DMT-AgNPs are reliable safe and biocompatibility, hence could be used viable in the treatment of diseases with high accuracy in a patient-friendly manner compared to AgNPs and can be used as potent therapeutic agent in future. Graphical Abstract Dimercapto-triazole functionalizes AgNPs preventing aggregation. DMT-AgNP interactions towards targeted bacteria and MCF-7 cancer cell lines revealing its biocompatibility.