Synergistic Anticancer and Antibacterial Activities of Marine Sponge ExtractsCombined with Fungal-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Aspergillus flavus

INTRODUCTION: This study explores the cytotoxic efficacy of combining Dysidea tuapokere or Agelas conifera extract with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from Aspergillus flavus on various cancer cell lines and pathogenic bacteria. METHODS: AgNPs were characterized using zeta potential, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy. The chemical composition of the marine sponge extracts was analyzed using LC-MS/MS. Cancer cell lines (PANC-1, A549, MCF-7, and HT-29) and normal HUVEC cells were tested for cytotoxicity using MTT assays to calculate selectivity indices (SI). Antibacterial activity was assessed against antibiotic-resistant strains. Docking studies were conducted to investigate the binding of sponge-derived compounds to EGFR and TrkA receptors. RESULTS: Characterization of AgNPs revealed a mean particle size of 69.455 nm, a zeta potential of -28 mV, and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.177. After lyophilization, the particle size increased to 144.555 nm and the PDI to 0.335. SEM showed silver particles below 0.5 μm. Combining Dysidea tuapokere or Agelas conifera extracts with AgNPs enhanced antiproliferative activity. This activity was relatively selective for cancer cells over HUVEC cells, particularly for PANC-1 (SI: 254.74) and A549 (SI: 204.85). LC-MS/MS identified bioactive components. Docking showed favorable binding to EGFR and TrkA. Dysidea tuapokere extract with AgNPs significantly enhanced the inhibition of S. xylosus, K. oxytoca, and P. aeruginosa. DISCUSSION: The synergistic antiproliferative effect selectively targets cancer cells. The combined treatment may have broad-spectrum bioactivity. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the synergistic potential of marine sponge extracts combined with AgNPs.