Synthesis and enhanced biological activities of methyl 5-amino-β-resorcylate capped silver nanoparticles

Abstract

The biomedical potential of silver nanoparticles loaded and conjugated with a drug exhibited diverse effects. Compared to free molecules, these nanoconjugates demonstrated enhanced biological activities, requiring a reduced quantity of the active ingredient for effectiveness. To achieve this, silver nanomaterials (AgMRA) with a size of 19 nm were prepared and modified with methyl-5-amino-β-resorcylate (MRA) through the reduction of an aqueous solution of AgNO3. The capping of AgMRA was analyzed using TEM, FT-IR, and UV–vis techniques. The stability of the silver nanomaterials (AgMRA) was investigated in relation to salt concentration, pH, and temperature. The resulting nanoconjugates were soluble in water, and their suspension remained stable at a salt concentration of 4 mol/L, pH range of 2–13, and elevated temperatures. Multiple biological activities, including enzyme inhibition, antioxidant effects, and antimicrobial properties, were identified for the silver nanomaterials (AgMRA) and compared to the pure MRA and commercially available drugs. The urease inhibition and antioxidant properties of AgMRA were comparable to or even superior to those of MRA and the standard drugs. Notably, the synthesized nanoconjugates contained 25% of silver nanomaterials conjugated with MRA by weight, allowing for a four-fold reduction in the required dose of MRA for achieving the desired biological activities.