Cardioprotective potential of biobased gold nanoparticles.

In the present investigation, the cardioprotective nature of proanthocyanidin (PAC)-synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is addressed in detail. There was a rapid reduction of gold metal ions by PAC and the new-genre AuNPs exhibited remarkable in vitro stability both in biological and chemical solutions. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that the newly formed nanoparticles ranged in size from 17 to 29 nm (∼24 nm). MTT assay carried out with peripheral blood mononuclear cells demonstrated the non-toxic nature of AuNPs. PAC-synthesized AuNPs showed cardioprotective action in isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury at a lowest dosage (9 mg kg(-1)). Cardiac marker enzymes and antioxidant parameters in serum and heart tissue were also measured.