Radiosensitization effects and ROS generation by high Z metallic nanoparticles on human colon carcinoma cell (HCT116) irradiated under 150 MeV proton beam

•High Z metallic nanoparticles have the potential to be applied as radiosensitizer in proton beam therapy.•AuNPs, SPIONs, PtNDs and BiNRs under irradiation with 150 MeV proton beam increase cell death.•Proton beam irradiation with nanoparticles induce higher ROS generation.•BiNRs produce the most effective radiosensitization.