Green synthesis of undoped and Ag-doped NiO nanoparticles: Evaluation and their synergetic effect on antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant activities

Abstract

In this investigation, we successfully synthesized nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) using a combustion method with Acacia nilotica gum as a biofuel, and systematically altered silver (Ag) concentrations within the NiO matrix. Post-calcination at 400 °C, various characterization techniques confirmed the formation, surface morphology, and crystalline characteristics of NiO NPs. The Ag-doped NiO NPs, particularly the NiAg4 sample, demonstrated remarkable antimicrobial efficacy, with superior activity against both fungal and bacterial pathogens. The NiAg4 sample also exhibited potent cytotoxicity against HT-29 human colon cancer cells, achieving an IC50 value of 1.5 mg/mL. Toxicological assessments revealed that both undoped and Ag-doped NiO NPs maintained biocompatibility with human red blood cells, indicating their potential for biomedical applications. Additionally, the NPs showed strong antioxidant activity and protein kinase inhibition, further supporting their therapeutic potential. These findings suggest that Ag-doped NiO NPs synthesized through a green protocol possess enhanced bioactivities, making them promising candidates for future in vivo studies and diverse biomedical applications.