Silver nanoparticles protect human keratinocytes against UVB radiation-induced DNA damage and apoptosis: potential for prevention of skin carcinogenesis

Direct exposure of skin to UVB radiations causes DNA damage mainly due to the formation of CPDs. This extensive DNA damage remains largely unrepaired and ultimately leads to cell death or accumulation of carcinogenic mutations. However, if the skin cells are treated with AgNPs prior to their UVB irradiation, significant protection from UVB-induced DNA damage is observed correlating with G1 phase cell cycle arrest and reduction in apoptosis.148