Biosynthesis Of AgNPs Research Articles

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Extracts of Wild Ginger (Zingiber zerumbet) with Antibacterial Activity against Selective Multidrug Resistant Oral Bacteria.

Antibiotic resistance rate is rising worldwide. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are potent for fighting antimicrobial resistance (AMR), independently or synergistically. The purpose of this study was to prepare AgNPs using wild ginger extracts and to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of these AgNPs against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Enterococcus faecalis. AgNPs were synthesized using wild ginger extracts at room temperature through different parameters for optimization, i.e., pH and variable molar concentration. Synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed by UV/visible spectroscopy and further characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis (EDXA), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Disc and agar well diffusion techniques were utilized to determine the in vitro antibacterial activity of plant extracts and AgNPs. The surface plasmon resonance peaks in absorption spectra for silver suspension showed the absorption maxima in the range of 400–420 nm. Functional biomolecules such as N–H, C–H, O–H, C–O, and C–O–C were present in Zingiber zerumbet (Z. zerumbet) (aqueous and organic extracts) responsible for the AgNP formation characterized by FTIR. The crystalline structure of ZZAE-AgCl-NPs and ZZEE-AgCl-NPs was displayed in the XRD analysis. SEM analysis revealed the surface morphology. The EDXA analysis also confirmed the element of silver. It was revealed that AgNPs were seemingly spherical in morphology. The biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited complete antibacterial activity against the tested MDR bacterial strains. This study indicates that AgNPs of wild ginger extracts exhibit potent antibacterial activity against MDR bacterial strains.

Growth and pigment production of Monascus purpureus EG and its beneficial effects

Pigments play an important role in the pharmaceutical industry as well as in the food industry. Biological synthesis of pigments has attained more revenue for easy extraction, high growth rate and high yield. The production of pigments by Monascus purpureus EG was investigated in several static batch cultures, the most suitable medium for its yellow, orange, and red extracellular pigment production was yeast glucose medium (YG), while malt extract medium (ME) had maximum production for its intracellular pigment. The effect of some physical factors on growth and pigment production was studied. Direct illumination inhibited growth and pigment production. Antimicrobial activities of pigments were observed against selected Gram-negative (G-ve) and Gram-positive (G+ve) bacteria. The antibacterial effects of red pigment on G- and G+ were highly effective compared to yellow and orange pigments. The extracted pigment was used for the reduction of the aqueous silver nitrate into silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The biosynthesized AgNPs were structurally characterized using UV-VIS Spectra which showed absorption peaks at 437, 453 and 447 nm for pH values 3.5, 6.5 and 9.5, respectively. The optimum pH for the maximum synthesis of nanoparticles was 6.5. It showed no nitrate reductase activity, but the synthesized AgNPs exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against G+ and G- bacteria.

The antibacterial potential of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles using beech bark and spruce bark extracts

Abstract Introduction: Lately, nanotechnology focuses on the green synthesis of AgNPs, using different plant materials, as this method is accessible, cost-efficient, and ecological. The study aimed to investigate the antibacterial potential of AgNPs synthesized using beech/spruce bark extracts (BBE/SBE) and silver salts (acetate/nitrate). Method: The growth rates of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 were evaluated in the presence of the AgNPs solutions. The checkerboard method was performed to evaluate if these solutions exert synergistic activity with gentamicin. Results: For E. coli, synergistic effects were observed for the combination of gentamicin 0.25mg/L with AgNP BBE Nit (0.145mg/mL) and with AgNP SBE Ac (0,09mg/mL). For S. aureus, no synergistic effects were observed. Overall, the AgNP BBEs solutions combined with gentamicin presented lowest values of fractional inhibitory concentration than the ones registered for the combination of AgNP SBEs with gentamicin, for both bacterial strains. The growth rate of S. aureus was inhibited by all the tested AgNPs at the measured time points. For E. coli, after 24 hours of incubation, the growth rate was inhibited only in the presence of AgNP SBE Ac. After 6 hours of incubation, the growth rate of E. coli was almost stationary in the presence of AgNP BBE Nit. Conclusions: The biosynthesis of AgNPs is a valuable choice for obtaining substances with antibacterial potential.

Ultrafast fluorescent detection of hexavalent chromium ions, catalytic efficacy and antioxidant activity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles using leaf extract of P. austroarabica

The wrapping of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with a biocompatible matrix to gain AgNP colloids, is a promising strategy to synthesize the AgNPs for numerous applications. In this work, an aqueous leaf extract of P. austroarabica plant has been utilized to produce highly active AgNPs and study the metal sensing, catalytic, and antioxidant activities of these nanoparticles. It has been observed that the phytochemicals in the P. asutroarabica plant reduced Ag+ to silver nanoparticles and acted as capping and stabilizing agents. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques such as UV–Vis, FTIR, PXRD, SEM, EDAX, TEM, and fluorescence spectroscopy. According to PXRD, SEM, and TEM analysis, the biosynthesized AgNPs were spherical face-centered-cubic (FCC) crystals with an average particle size of 16.8 ± 5.4 nm. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were examined for the fluorescent detection of Cr(VI), catalytic efficacy towards the degradation of organic dyes, and their antioxidant activities. The fluorescence technique proved that the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles are an excellent and efficient probe for Cr (VI) ions with LOD i.e. 1.15 nM, which is one of the lowest detection limits for sensor materials reported thus far. The results also demonstrated that the green synthesized AgNPs are highly efficient nano-catalyst for decomposing organic dyes, achieving 96.79 % and 95.63 % decolorization of methylene blue and Congo red dyes within 9 and 6 min, respectively. Additionally, the antioxidant activity assay results indicated that biosynthesized silver nanoparticles had excellent antioxidant activity when compared with ascorbic acid, because of the presence of bioactive molecules on the AgNPs surface. So, AgNPs may be employed as antioxidants in future due to being extremely effective, non-toxic, eco-friendly, and inexpensive. Therefore, this work will open a new window for the production and use of these AgNPs on wide-scale in various fields.

Anticancer and antimicrobial activity of biosynthesized Red Sea marine algal silver nanoparticles

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is emerging as a simple and eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical synthesis methods. The role of AgNPs is expanding as antimicrobial and anticancer agents, sensors, nanoelectronic devices, and imaging contrast agents. In this study, biogenic AgNPs were synthesized using extracts of different marine algae species, including Ulva rigida (green alga), Cystoseira myrica (brown alga), and Gracilaria foliifera (red alga), as reducing and capping agents. The Physiochemical properties, cytotoxicity, anticancer and antimicrobial activities of the biosynthesized AgNPs were assessed. Surface plasmonic bands of the biosynthesized AgNPs capped with U. rigida, C. myrica, and G. foliifera extracts were visually observed to determine a colour change, and their peaks were observed at 424 nm, 409 nm, and 415 nm, respectively, by UV–Vis spectroscopy; transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated an almost spherical shape of AgNPs with nanoscale sizes of 12 nm, 17 nm, and 24 nm, respectively. Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis suggested that different molecules attached to AgNPs through OH, C=O, and amide groups. The major constituents of the aqueous algal extracts included, terpenoids, polyphenols, sulfonates, polysaccharides, fatty acids, chlorophylls, amide proteins, flavonoids, carotenoids, aliphatic fluoro compounds, volatile compounds, alkalines, pyruvic acid and agar groups. The cytotoxicity and anticancer activities of the biosynthesized AgNPs were assessed using Artemia salina nauplii, normal skin cell lines (HFb-4), and breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 cell line). The lethality was found to be directly proportional to the AgNP concentration. The IC50 values of C. myrica and G. foliifera AgNPs against A. saline nauplii were 5 and 10 μg ml−1 after 4 h and 16 h, respectively, whereas U. rigida AgNPs did not exhibit cytotoxic effects. Anticancer activity of the biosynthesized AgNPs was dose dependent. The IC50 values of the biosynthesized AgNPs were 13, 13, and 43 µg ml−1 for U. rigida, C. myrica, and G. foliifera, respectively. U. rigida AgNPs particularly exhibited potent anticancer activity (92.62%) against a human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) with high selectivity compared the normal cells (IC50 = 13 µg/ml, SI = 3.2), followed by C. myrica AgNPs (IC50 = 13 µg/ml, SI = 3.07). Furthermore, the biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited strong antifungal activity against dermatophyte pathogenic moulds and mild antibacterial activity against the food borne pathogen bacteria. The highest antimicrobial activity was recorded for the U. rigida AgNPs, followed by those capped with C. myrica and G. foliifera extracts, respectively. AgNPs capped with the U. rigida extract exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity against Trichophyton mantigrophytes (40 mm), followed by Trichosporon cataneum (30 mm) and E. coli (19 mm), with minimal lethal concentration of 32 and 64 μg ml−1 respectively. The study finally revealed that extracts of marine algal species, particularly U. rigida extracts, could be effectively used as reducing agents for the green synthesis of AgNPs. These AgNPs are considered efficient alternative antidermatophytes for skin infections and anticancer agents against the MCF-7 cell line.

Biosynthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles from Tricholoma ustale and Agaricus arvensis extracts and investigation of their antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and apoptotic potentials

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using Tricholoma ustale and Agaricus arvensis extracts by the microwave-assisted method. The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The synthesized AgNPs were almost spherical shaped with average sizes below 20 nm. The anti-microbial activity of the synthesized AgNPs against the pathogen bacterial and fungal strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, and Candida utilis was determined by minimum inhibitory concentration and disc diffusion methods. The cytotoxicity of the AgNPs was examined on human breast cancer (MCF-7), lung cancer (A549), colon cancer (HT-29), and osteosarcoma (Saos-2) cells by MTT assay. The AgNPs exhibited an anti-proliferative effect on MCF-7, HT-29, and Saos-2 cells in a dose-depended manner via induction of intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathways. Hence, the synthesized AgNPs may be potential metal-based nanoparticle systems to treat infectious diseases and cancer in medicine.

GREEN SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES USING HELIOTROPIUM INDICUM L. LEAVES EXTRACT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

Silver is known for its antimicrobial effects and silver nanoparticles have become a promising synthetic strategy due to its antimicrobial potential. The study was carried out in Heliotropium indicum L. aqueous leaves extract for determining the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against human skin pathogens with statistical tests at 1% level of significance. Characterization of AgNPs was carried out by UV-Vis Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Antimicrobial activities of AgNPs was determined by agar well diffusion method and MIC was determined by resazurin-based turbidometric method. The UV spectroscopic analysis showed the highest absorbance peak at 420 nm. The particle size and structure was confirmed by SEM analysis and it was revealed that the formed particles were of different shapes but predominantly spherical with an average size of 77-98 nm with interparticle distance. The crystalline nature of the AgNPs was determined by X-ray diffraction patterns. The biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 4676) and antifungal activity against Candida albicans (MTCC 183). Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilks test, Levene’s test of homogeneity of variance and ANOVA were performed using SPSS software. The ANOVA test revealed that the zone of inhibition against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, B. cereus, T. rubrum and C. albicans was significantly different among samples at 1% level of significance (p less than 0.01). The potent antimicrobial activity may justify the biomedical use of AgNPs as antimicrobial agents for controlling microbial infections.

Ceftazidime and 4-nitrophenol inactivation using alginate-based spheres inlaid with mycogenic silver nanoparticles

The aim of this work was synthetized alginate-based spheres to encapsulate biosynthesized AgNPs, produced by the fungis: Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (Ag@Alg Rm) and Rhodotorula glutinis (Ag@Alg Rg). These spheres were characterized through UV–Vis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopies, X-Ray diffraction and scanning electronic and atomic force microcopies. In addition, their catalytic activities were evaluated in front of drug molecules, considering as pollutants, such as 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and ceftazidime (Ceft). The average size diameter of the spheres Ag@Alg Rg and Ag@Alg Rm were 2.49 and 2.78 mm, respectively, and the plasmon band was detected around 400 nm. The particles presented a rough appearance, showing AgNPs been distributed onto alginate sphere's surface. The catalytic activity for 4-NP pollutant was around 95% of removing in 30 min for both types of spheres. The spheres were also able to degrade the antibiotic Ceft, which did not show activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. This multi-focal catalytic activity profile of both Ag@Alg Rm and Ag@Alg Rg particles presents great potential application, principally considering a sustainable environment and effluents treatment.

Trichogenic Silver-Based Nanoparticles for Suppression of Fungi Involved in Damping-Off of Cotton Seedlings.

Mycogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced by some biocontrol agents have shown the ability to inhibit the growth of numerous plant pathogenic fungi, which may be a unique method of disease management. This study describes the extracellular production of AgNPs by Trichoderma harzianum. The size, shape, charge, and composition of the AgNPs were subsequently studied by UV-visible spectroscopy, DLS, zeta potential, TEM, SEM, and EDX, among other methods. The AgNPs had sizes ranging from 6 to 15 nm. The antifungal activities of bio-synthesized AgNPs and two commercial fungicides (Moncut and Maxim XL) were tested against three soil-borne diseases (Fusarium fujikuroi, Rhizoctonia solani, and Macrophomina phaseolina). Cotton seedling illnesses were significantly reduced under greenhouse settings after significant in vitro antifungal activity was documented for the control of plant pathogenic fungi. The use of biocontrol agents such as T. harzianum, for example, may be a safe strategy for synthesizing AgNPs and using them to combat fungus in Egyptian cotton.

Green formulation of Ag nanoparticles by Hibiscus rosa-sinensis: Introducing a navel chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of liver cancer

An eco-friendly biosynthesized Ag NPs immobilized Hibiscus rosa-sinensis extract has been introduced. The as-prepared nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Vis, SEM, and FT-IR analysis. In the FT-IR test, the presence of many antioxidant compounds with related bonds caused the excellent condition for reducing of silver in the silver nanoparticles. In UV–Vis, the clear peak in the wavelength of 428 nm indicated the formation of silver nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles had very low cell viability and high anti-liver cancer activities dose-dependently against pleomorphic hepatocellular carcinoma (SNU-387), hepatic ductal carcinoma (LMH/2A), morris hepatoma (McA-RH7777), and novikoff hepatoma (N1-S1 Fudr) cell lines without any cytotoxicity on the normal cell line (HUVEC). The synthesized nanoparticles inhibited half of the DPPH molecules in the concentration of 78 µg/mL. Perhaps notable anti-liver cancer activities of the synthesized nanoparticles against common liver cancer cell lines are linked to their antioxidant activities.

Pseudomonas indica-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles: Antifungal and Antioxidant Biogenic Tool for Suppressing Mucormycosis Fungi.

Mucormycosis is considered one of the most dangerous invasive fungal diseases. In this study, a facile, green and eco-friendly method was used to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Pseudomonas indica S. Azhar, to combat fungi causing mucormycosis. The biosynthesis of AgNPs was validated by a progressive shift in the color of P. indica filtrate from colorless to brown, as well as the identification of a distinctive absorption peak at 420 nm using UV-vis spectroscopy. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results indicated the existence of bioactive chemicals that are responsible for AgNP production. AgNPs with particle sizes ranging from 2.4 to 53.5 nm were discovered using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Pattern peaks corresponding to the 111, 200, 220, 311, and 222 planes, which corresponded to face-centered cubic forms of metallic silver, were also discovered using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Moreover, antifungal activity measurements of biosynthesized AgNPs against Rhizopus Microsporus, Mucor racemosus, and Syncephalastrum racemosum were carried out. Results of antifungal activity analysis revealed that the biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited outstanding antifungal activity against all tested fungi at a concentration of 400 µg/mL, where minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were 50, 50, and 100 µg/mL toward R. microsporus, S. racemosum, and M. racemosus respectively. In addition, the biosynthesized AgNPs revealed antioxidant activity, where IC50 was 31 µg/mL when compared to ascorbic acid (0.79 µg/mL). Furthermore, the biosynthesized AgNPs showed no cytotoxicity on the Vero normal cell line. In conclusion, the biosynthesized AgNPs in this study can be used as effective antifungals with safe use, particularly for fungi causing mucormycosis.

In vitro antibacterial activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles against gram negative bacteria

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been performed using various sources including plants and fungi. Sargassum swartzii is an alga that has a vast spectrum of biological activities and is predominantly found on the Indian coasts. In this study, AgNPs was biosynthesized using S. swartzii and evaluated for its antibacterial potency against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922). The synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) were imaged using TEM analyses and found to be predominantly spherical and crystalline with size around 20–40 nm. The Zeta sizing analysis revealed mean particle size to be 40.4 nm. The XRD analysis revealed the particles are crystalline nature and average size around 54 nm. The biosynthesized AgNPs were used against treating E. coli and it was found to cause a considerable amount of deterioration to the microbes when observed under AFM and FE–SEM. The study revealed the significant antibacterial activity of the synthesized AgNPs due to extensive membrane damage.

Fabrication of Nanofibers Based on Hydroxypropyl Starch/Polyurethane Loaded with the Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Pathogenic Microbes in Wounds.

Fabrication of electrospun nanofibers based on the blending of modified natural polymer, hydroxyl propyl starch (HPS) as one of the most renewable resources, with synthetic polymers, such as polyurethane (PU) is of great potential for biomedical applications. The as-prepared nanofibers were used as antimicrobial sheets via blending with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which were prepared in a safe way with low cost using the extract of Nerium oleander leaves, which acted as a reducing and stabilizing agent as well. The biosynthesized AgNPs were fully characterized by various techniques (UV-vis, TEM, DLS, zeta potential and XRD). The obtained results from UV-vis depicted that the AgNPs appeared at a wavelength equal to 404 nm affirming the preparation of AgNPs when compared with the wavelength of extract (there are no observable peaks). The average particle size of the fabricated AgNPs that mediated with HPS exhibited a very small size (less than 5 nm) with excellent stability (more than −30 mv). In addition, the fabricated nanofibers were also fully characterized and the obtained data proved that the diameter of nanofibers was enlarged with increasing the concentration of AgNPs. Additionally, the findings illustrated that the pore sizes of electrospun sheets were in the range of 75 to 350 nm. The obtained results proved that the presence of HPS displayed a vital role in decreasing the contact angle of PU nanofibers and thus, increased the hydrophilicity of the net nanofibers. It is worthy to mention that the prepared nanofibers incorporated with AgNPs exhibited incredible antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microbes that actually presented in human wounds. Moreover, P. aeruginosa was the most sensitive species to the fabricated nanofibers compared to other tested ones. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) values of AgNPs-3@NFs against P. aeruginosa, and E. faecalis, were 250 and 500 mg/L within 15 min, respectively.

Green Synthesis of Stable Spherical Monodisperse Silver Nanoparticles Using a Cell-Free Extract of Trichoderma reesei.

In the current study, a green method for the preparation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is presented as an alternative to conventional chemical and physical approaches. A biomass of Trichoderma reesei (T. reesei) fungus was used as a green and renewable source of reductase enzymes and metabolites, which are capable of transforming Ag+ ions into AgNPs with a small size (mainly 2–6 nm) and narrow size distribution (2–25 nm). Moreover, extracellular biosynthesis was carried out with a cell-free water extract (CFE) of T. reesei, which allows for facile monitoring of the bioreduction process using UV–Vis spectroscopy and investigation of the effect of experimental conditions on the transformation of Ag+ ions into AgNPs, as well as the simple isolation of as-prepared AgNPs for the study of their size, morphology and antibacterial properties. In continuation to our previous results about the influence of media on T. reesei cultivation, the amount of biomass used for CFE preparation and the concentration of Ag+ ion solution, herein, we present the impact of temperature (4, 20, 30 and 40 °C), agitation and time duration on the biosynthesis of AgNPs and their properties. A high stability of AgNPs in aqueous colloids was observed and attributed to the capping effect of the biomolecules as shown by the zeta potential (−49.0/−51.4 mV) and confirmed by the hydrodynamic size of 190.8/116.8 nm of AgNPs.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by the Cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp.: Characterization, Antimicrobial and Diabetic Wound-Healing Actions.

Green nanotechnology is now accepted as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective advance with various biomedical applications. The cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. is a unicellular spherical cyanobacterium with photo- and hetero-trophic capabilities. This study investigates the ability of this cyanobacterial species to produce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and the wound-healing properties of the produced nanoparticles in diabetic animals. Methods: UV–visible and FT-IR spectroscopy and and electron microscopy techniques investigated AgNPs’ producibility by Synechocystis sp. when supplemented with silver ion source. The produced AgNPs were evaluated for their antimicrobial, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and diabetic wound healing along with their angiogenesis potential. Results: The cyanobacterium biosynthesized spherical AgNPs with a diameter range of 10 to 35 nm. The produced AgNPs exhibited wound-healing properties verified with increased contraction percentage, tensile strength and hydroxyproline level in incision diabetic wounded animals. AgNPs treatment decreased epithelialization period, amplified the wound closure percentage, and elevated collagen, hydroxyproline and hexosamine contents, which improved angiogenesis factors’ contents (HIF-1α, TGF-β1 and VEGF) in excision wound models. AgNPs intensified catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide content and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) level. IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB (the inflammatory mediators) were decreased with AgNPs’ topical application. Conclusion: Biosynthesized AgNPs via Synechocystis sp. exhibited antimicrobial, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenesis promoting effects in diabetic wounded animals.

Evaluation of hepato and renal protective effect of synthesized nanoparticles using Tinospora cordifolia leaf extract

In our current work, we have focused on AgNPs biosynthesis from the ethanolic leaf extract of Tinospora cordifolia and evaluated for their antioxidant, hepato and nephro-protective effects. The results depicted significant restoration in the serum levels of urea, creatine, and uric acid, SGOT and SGPT in potassium bromate induced Swiss albino mice to its normalcy upon treatment with AgNPs. The histopathological study on the kidney tissues correlates well with our biochemical observations. The overall results revealed that the synthesized AgNPs possess strong antioxidant, hepato and nephro-protectivity and directed towards the clinical use as a therapeutic agent.

Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Cytotoxicity in Liver Carcinoma Cells Induced by Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized Using Schinus molle Extract.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy and is ranked as the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Schinus molle (S. mole) L. is an important medicinal plant that contains many bioactive compounds with pharmacological properties. The role of S. molle leaf extract in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was determined. The biosynthesized AgNPs were thoroughly characterized by UV–vis spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. Furthermore, the cytotoxic effect of the biosynthesized AgNPs using S. molle (SMAgNPs) against HepG2 liver cancer cells was investigated. Reactive oxygen species generation, apoptosis induction, DNA damage, and autophagy activity were analyzed. The results clearly showed that the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 by significantly (p < 0.05) inducing oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, DNA damage, apoptosis, and autophagy in a dose- and time-dependent manner. These findings may encourage integrating the potential of natural products and the efficiency of silver nanoparticles for the fabrication of safe, environmentally friendly, and effective anticancer agents.

Assessment of the Therapeutic Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles against Secondary Cystic Echinococcosis in BALB/c Mice

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a highly prevalent parasitic disease resulting from the hydatid cyst of Echinococcus granulosus. It is also described as a zoonotic disease and considered a neglected tropical infection. Aim: This study assessed the antiparasitic activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), against E. granulosus infection in BALB/c mice. Methods: The green synthesis of AgNPs was accomplished using Zizyphus spina-christi leaves. AgNPs were orally administered to BALB/c mice for acute short-term toxicity evaluation, in doses of 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg/kg, and observations for toxic signs were carried out at 24, 48 h, and 14 days, continuously. Moreover, a total of 20 mice divided into two groups were intraperitoneally administered with 1500 viable protoscoleces for secondary hydatidosis infection. Results: The results showed that AgNPs did not induce any adverse effects or signs and no death, in either group of mice. The histopathological findings in the liver, kidneys, and intestine of the mice administered with AgNPs revealed mild histological effects compared with the control ones. The treated-infected mice showed a change in the appearance of the liver hydatid cysts from hyaline to milky cloudy compared with the untreated infected mice. Conclusion: Biosynthesized AgNPs showed anti-hydatic effects and are suggested as anti-echinococcal cyst treatment.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using the Plant Extracts of Vitex Agnus Castus L: An Ecofriendly Approach to Overcome Antibiotic Resistance.

These days, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been given considerable attention and applied in medical technology due to their great antimicrobial and antioxidant features. In the present study, we aimed to synthesize Ag NPs through the reduction of silver nitrate in the presence of Vitex agnus castus L fruit extract. After collecting fruits, their extract was prepared and added to Ag NO3 to produce Ag NPs. The effect of different parameters like AgNO3 concentration (0.5, 1, 3, and 5 mM), sunlight exposure, and sunlight irradiation time (10, 20, 30, and 40 min) was investigated in the synthesis of Ag NPs. The features of Ag NPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and dynamic light scattering analysis. Moreover, antimicrobial function of Ag NPs was evaluated using Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus bacteria species and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Ag NPs against these two pathogens was measured. The results showed that the synthesized nanoparticles had a spherical shape and the range size of 30-60 nm. For the first time, the antimicrobial activity of synthesized Ag NPs of Vitex agnus castus L fruit extract was shown. It can be stated that the biosynthesis of Ag NPs using fruit extract of this plant is an environmentally friendly, economic and harmless method without any use of poisonous substances and no side effects. These Ag NPs can be considered as suitable antibacterial agents and replacements for antibiotics.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Rhododendron arboreum for Metal Sensing, Antibacterial Assessment, and Photocatalytic Degradation

The nanomaterial industry has focused on green synthetic methods to avoid unpleasant compounds produced during manufacturing, offering eco‐friendly, sustainable, and nature‐derived alternative methods. In this study, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been synthesized from an aqueous extract of the leaves of Rhododendron arboreum, where the pH of the reaction mixture is found to be crucial. The reaction progress monitored using the UV‐Vis spectrophotometer displayed a strong absorption band at 425 nm at pH 9, suggesting an optimum pH for the synthesis. The Ag NPs thus synthesized were characterized using instrumental techniques. The attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy showed the presence of phytoconstituents in the aqueous extract, which are believed to be responsible for reducing Ag+ ions to Ag NPs and capping agents on its surface for stability. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) showed a highly crystalline nature, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) demonstrated the presence of metallic silver. The scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM, respectively) revealed crystalline morphology and monodisperse Ag NPs of sizes ranging from 23 to 41 nm. Furthermore, the metal‐sensing activity of biosynthesized Ag NPs was evaluated using various metal ions; they were utilized for highly selective and sensitive colorimetric detection of Hg2+ in an aqueous medium among various metal ion solutions tested with the detection limit of 0.5 mM using the UV‐Vis spectrophotometer. Similarly, they were also shown to be effective for the nanocatalytic activity for degradation of methylene blue dye up to 81%. These studies demonstrated Ag NPs as potential candidates for selective detection of mercury in water resources, a tool for sensing the heavy metals and degradation of synthetic dye from industrial effluents in wastewater treatment. Having the high surface‐to‐volume ratio and size‐dependent functionality of Ag NPs, further optimization studies at micromolar and nanomolar detection limits will avail its better industrial utilization. Moreover, biologically mediated Ag NPs can also exhibit good antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.