Synthesis, physicochemical characterization and cytotoxic properties of riboflavin loaded Myrj52–silver nanoparticles

The synthesis and physicochemical characterization of riboflavin (RF) loaded Myrj52–silver nanoparticles (SNPs) were performed and their cytotoxic properties were evaluated. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed the formation of colloidal spherical SNPs with an average size of ∼12 nm. The structure, stability, dynamics and conformation of human serum albumin (HSA) binding RF on SNPs have been studied. The influence of RF on the secondary structure of HSA in the presence of SNPs showed a predominant α-helix structure (61.7%). No changes induced by RF binding to HSA were observed. The cytotoxicity of RF and RF–HSA loaded Myrj52–SNPs was evaluated in vitro using the Neutral Red assay and cell morphology observations in a culture of L929 fibroblast cells. The results have relevance with regard to the RF loaded Myrj52–SNP formulation for pharmaceuticals.