Bio-fabrication of silver nanoparticles using Pterocarpus marsupium: A promising antimicrobial agent for head and neck infections

Abstract

Pterocarpus marsupium (Roxb.) is an important plant for its diverse pharmacological attributes, including anti-microbial and anti-cancerous effects. The multidrug-resistant (MDR) microbes found in head and neck infections can lead to cancer. Recently, the use of nanoparticles has emerged as an alternative to regular drugs to combat the MDR microbes. The current work aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Pm-AgNPs) from the bark extract of P. marsupium and evaluate its antimicrobial potency against head and neck infection microbes, including Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Physical characterization of the Pm-AgNPs revealed its spherical shape, an average size of 35.35 nm, and an overall charge of −27.4 mv. The antimicrobial activities of the Pm-AgNPs were compared to the methanolic bark extract of P. marsupium against the selected MDR species. The Pm-AgNPs exhibited better MIC (0.78 µg/ml) and MBC (3.12 µg/ml) values against S. aureus. Toxicity studies of the Pm-AgNPs were performed in Swiss mice models at different doses (300, 600, 1200, and 2000 mg/kg body weight) followed by histopathological, biochemical, and hematological analysis. The results confirmed the non-toxic nature of the Pm-AgNPs, thus supporting their use as a potent anti-microbial agent in head and neck infections.