Biogenic one-step synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Quisqualis indica linn flower extract: Characterization, molecular docking, and DFT studies

Abstract

The present study reports a one-step, eco-friendly, and green synthesis route of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the flower extract of Quisqualis indica Linn. Analytical techniques like Ultraviole-visible (UV–Vis), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to investigate different physicochemical characteristics of AgNPs. The UV–Vis spectrum revealed the maximum absorption at 455 nm and FESEM images confirmed that the synthesis produces stable, polydisperse with a spherical, rod-shaped, triangular, and hexagon shape. XRD analysis at 2θ degrees of 38.1o, 44.3o, 64.7o, and 77.7o corresponding to the (111), (200), (220), and (311) planes, respectively, Bragg’s reflections of the face-centered cubic crystalline structure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis suggested that the carbonyl and alcoholic groups of the different compounds of the extract of Quisqualis indica Linn flowers were majorly responsible for being the stabilizer and a capping agent of AgNPs. Furthermore, the quantum chemical parameters of β-Sitosterol (1), Brinzolamide (2), Gallic Acid (3), L-Asparagine (4), L-Proline (5), Quisqualic Acid (6), Quinoline-4-Carbonitrile (7), Quercetin (8), and Rutin (9) compounds present in the flowers of Quisqualis indica Linn are also calculated based on density functional theory (DFT). In silico study, a method such as molecular docking was carried out to determine the binding affinity of compounds (1–9) with presentations of Gram-positive bacteria (PDB ID: 2MLM) and Gram-negative bacteria (PDB ID-1KZN). Compounds (1), (2), (7) and (8) had a better score of binding toward the selected proteins. Overall, our findings shed light on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and it could be a potential candidate for the pharmaceutical industry against topical pathogens.