Silver sulfide nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy of human lymphoma cells via disruption of energy metabolism

Recently, studies on the application of light-responsive semiconductor nanomaterials for photodynamic therapy (PDT) of non-solid tumors have attracted tremendous attention. Herein, 6.98 nm Ag(2)S nanoparticles (Ag(2)S NPs) with excellent aqueous dispersibility, stability, and biocompatibility were synthesized by a facile strategy without any post-modification. In vitro studies indicated that Ag(2)S NPs could significantly inhibit the growth of human lymphoma cells (Raji cells) compared with hepatoma carcinoma cells (Hep G2 cells) under light irradiation. Further studies revealed that Ag(2)S NPs could specifically induce the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxidative species in Raji cells under light irradiation, and induce significant disruption of energy metabolism. This finding provides inspiration for the potential application of Ag(2)S semiconductor nanoparticles as a photosensitizer to significantly and specifically treat human lymphoma through PDT.