Gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, and silver-gold nanocomposites using Suaeda maritima: Phytochemical analyses, biosynthesis, characterization, and biological activity

Abstract

Nanoparticles and nanocomposites with low concentration in the body are non-toxic and can be suitable alternative to antibiotics. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and silver-gold nanocomposite (Ag-Au NCs) were synthesized for the first time using galangin (GA) from Suaeda maritima (SM). A simple method was studied and optimized for the biosynthesis of AuNPs, AgNPs, and Ag-Au NCs using GA of SM. A variety of phytochemical compounds found in SM, such as phenols, convert metal into ions and serve as capping agents. The SM phytochemical analysis indicates a high concentration of GA in leaf shell extract, which is a flavonoid with anti-tumor properties. Characterization of GASMAuNPs, GASMAgNPs, and GASMAg-Au NCs was performed using a variety of spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. Based on transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy, the size of the GASM-Ag-AuNCs (45 nm), GASM-AgNPs (50 nm) and GASM-AuNPs (7 nm) and was spherical. The cytotoxicity effects of these nanoparticles and nanocomposites on Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cell lines were studied. GA-SM-Ag-AuNCs reduced the cell viability of MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Antibacterial activities were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Escherichia coli. GA-SM-Ag-Au NCs had maximum inhibition zones for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The maximum inhibition zones observed with GA-SM-Ag-AuNCs were higher than clindamycin, gentamycin, and tetracycline. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of GA-SM-Ag-AuNCs against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was 15.6 μgmL−1. GA-SM-Ag-AuNCs have powerful antimicrobial potential, while having less cytotoxicity at low concentrations. The GA-SM-Ag-AuNCs reduced the cytotoxicity effects on MCF-7. This study showed that GASM-Ag-AuNCs synthesized using GA of SM has antibacterial and anticancer properties with fewer side effects and significant efficacy, which can be effective as a potential therapy in the future.