Green synthesis of bio-mediated silver nanoparticles from Persea americana peels extract and evaluation of their biological activities: In vitro and in silico insights

Abstract

In this article, Persea americana aqueous peels extract was used to synthesize silver nanoparticles in a simple and environmentally friendly manner. The properties of synthesized silver nanoparticles (AV-AgNPs) were studied via several techniques, including UV–vis spectroscopy, DLS, TEM, EDX, and FTIR. The UV–Vis spectra analysis revealed that the highest absorption peak occurred at 428 nm, providing strong evidence for forming AV-AgNPs. The TEM results indicate that the synthesized AV-AgNPs were uniformly dispersed, exhibiting a spherical shape with an average size of 24 nm. EDX imaging also confirmed the presence of AgNPs. FTIR analysis shows P. americana's phenolic compounds and proteins significantly contribute to AV-AgNP synthesis and stabilization. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of AV-AgNPs was assessed against pathogenic bacteria commonly found in humans, exhibiting a moderate zone of inhibition against the selected pathogens. Additionally, AV-AgNPs were used in antioxidant studies with the robust antioxidant properties 2, 2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). In vitro studies have shown that AV-AgNPs can remarkably inhibit α-amylase in a dose-dependent manner, indicating their potential as antidiabetic agents. In silico research, it was revealed that naringenin derived from P. americana exhibited a strong binding to S. typhi and B. cereus (−8.7 and −7.5 kcal/mol, respectively). At the same time, quercetin demonstrated a high binding affinity and energy to α-Amylase (−8.9 kcal/mol). This study presents the first investigation into the biosynthesis of AgNPs utilizing the aqueous peel extract derived from P. americana with multiple uses, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activity.