Phytofabricated bimetallic synthesis of silver-copper nanoparticles using Aerva lanata extract to evaluate their potential cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities

Abstract

In this study, we demonstrate the green synthesis of bimetallic silver-copper nanoparticles (Ag–Cu NPs) using Aerva lanata plant extract. These NPs possess diverse biological properties, including in vitro antioxidant, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic activities. The synthesis involves the reduction of silver nitrate and copper oxide salts mediated by the plant extract, resulting in the formation of crystalline Ag–Cu NPs with a face-centered cubic structure. Characterization techniques confirm the presence of functional groups from the plant extract, acting as stabilizing and reducing agents. The synthesized NPs exhibit uniform-sized spherical morphology ranging from 7 to 12 nm. They demonstrate significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, inhibiting extracellular polysaccharide secretion in a dose-dependent manner. The Ag–Cu NPs also exhibit potent cytotoxic activity against cancerous HeLa cell lines, with an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 17.63 µg mL−1. Additionally, they demonstrate strong antioxidant potential, including reducing capability and H2O2 radical scavenging activity, particularly at high concentrations (240 µg mL−1). Overall, these results emphasize the potential of A. lanata plant metabolite-driven NPs as effective agents against infectious diseases and cancer.