Enhanced Colloidal Stability of Silver Nanoparticles by Green Synthesis Approach: Characterization and Anti-Leishmaniasis Activity

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are considered an appropriate approach to treat the leishmaniasis in terms of the toxicity and resistance of current anti-leishmanial drugs. This study aimed to prepare stable AgNP and their apoptotic effects on the metabolic activity of Leishmania major. AgNPs were prepared with a green synthesis method using Z. multiflora Boiss ([Formula: see text] extract as a reducing and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) stabilizer agent. The formation and colloidal stability of AgNPs were shown using ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy during an 80-day period. The average diameter of [Formula: see text] nm and the surface charge of [Formula: see text] mv were obtained for AgNPs. Furthermore, the toxicity and apoptotic values of AgNPs on Leishmania major were evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry, compared with [Formula: see text] (meglumine antimoniate) as the current standard medication for leishmaniosis. The results indicated that [Formula: see text] extracts coated AgNPs (Z.M@AgNPs) reached [Formula: see text] at a 100 [Formula: see text]g/mL concentration, while [Formula: see text] reached this point at a concentration of 4000 [Formula: see text]g/mL. The flow cytometry data revealed that the primary mechanism of death in the promastigotes was apoptosis (35.44% for AgNPs and 32.69% for [Formula: see text]). The present findings suggest that Z.M@AgNPs are superior therapeutic agents than [Formula: see text] as the positive control group for leishmaniasis treatment. However, further advanced studies are needed to confirm these results.