Cytotoxicity of serum protein-adsorbed visible-light photocatalytic Ag/AgBr/TiO2 nanoparticles

► Photocytotoxicity of visible-light catalytic NPs was examined in vitro. ► Ag/AgBr/TiO2 NPs were well internalized in cells after adsorption of serum proteins. ► Cell viability was decreased by 40-60% using ∼8 ppm NPs and 60 W/cm2 visible light within 5 h. ► Mitochondria activity test indicated the reactive oxygen species for photo-destruction of cells. ► Ag/AgBr/TiO2 NPs were found to eliminate xenograft tumors significantly in vivo.