Anti-inflammatory Potential of Ag/AgxO and Ag/AgxO@srGO Nanoparticles in LPS-Stimulated Macrophages

Abstract

Inflammatory diseases are characterized by excessive cytokine production, which necessitates the development of effective anti-inflammatory agents. This study evaluates the anti-inflammatory properties of Ag/AgxO and Ag/AgxO@srGO nanoparticles in LPS-stimulated J774.2 macrophages. Macrophages were treated with Ag/AgxO and Ag/AgxO@srGO nanoparticles at 1, 5, and 10 µg/mL for 24 h with or without LPS stimulation. Cytokine levels (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-12p40, and GM-CSF) were quantified by ELISA and cell viability was evaluated using the trypan blue exclusion method. Statistical analysis was performed using an unpaired two-tailed t-test. Both nanoparticles exhibited concentration-dependent anti-inflammatory effects, significantly reducing TNF-α, IL-6, GM-CSF, and IL-12p40 levels in LPS-stimulated macrophages (p < 0.0005), without affecting cell viability. Ag/AgxO@srGO showed superior efficacy compared to Ag/AgxO, especially at higher concentrations (5 µg/mL and 10 µg/mL). The addition of salicylic acid (SA) offered only limited additive effects on cytokine suppression. Ag/AgxO and Ag/AgxO@srGO nanoparticles demonstrate robust and statistically significant anti-inflammatory potential, with Ag/AgxO@srGO emerging as a more potent agent. These findings highlight the clinical promise of these nanoparticles for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases and warrant further mechanistic and in vivo investigations.