Eco-friendly Approach Research Articles

Plastic waste crystalline and green recovery via carboxymethylated lignin

This study tackles the global challenge of white pollution from plastic waste by examining the thermal crystallization and recovery characteristics of waste polyethylene terephthalate (W-PET) enhanced with carboxymethylated lignin (lignin-C). We prepared and characterized composites with varying lignin-C contents through melt blending. The addition of lignin-C was found to markedly elevate the crystallization temperature and rate of W-PET, fostering crystal growth without disrupting the nucleation mechanism or crystal geometry. The non-covalent interactions between W-PET and lignin-C, including π-π interactions and hydrogen bonding, ensure a uniform dispersion of lignin-C and the creation of heterogeneous nucleation sites, thereby accelerating the crystallization and recovery of W-PET. The resulting crystallinity approaches 95.3 % of that in fresh PET, with a Vicat softening point nearly equivalent to fresh PET. This research presents an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to the recovery of plastic waste.

Ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of thymol using areca nut fibre-derived carbon sensors for environmental protection

The increasing use of thymol (THY) as a common pesticide in agriculture raises significant concerns regarding its potential environmental and human health risks. Therefore, developing a sensitive detection method for thymol residues is essential for monitoring and ensuring safety standards. This study presents a novel approach for sensitively detecting thymol using activated carbon derived from areca nut (Arecanut catechu L) fibre, an agricultural by-product as the precursor. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) is added to the test solution to improve the material's surface properties and increase the number of active sites. Electrochemical sensing techniques, specifically cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV), are employed to evaluate the performance of Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide mediated activated carbon as a thymol detection sensor. The sensor exhibits outstanding sensitivity with an ultralow limit of detection (DL) of 1.84 × 10⁻⁸ M and a limit of quantification (QL) of 6.14 × 10⁻⁸ M, enabling the quantification of trace amounts of thymol in complex matrices. Furthermore, the sensor demonstrates exceptional reproducibility and long-term stability, making it suitable for real-time applications. Utilizing areca nut fibre as a precursor represents a sustainable and eco-friendly approach. This method offers a promising solution for pesticide detection, contributing to enhanced food safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance in the agricultural sector.

Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Tetracycline Adsorption: Experimental Insights and DFT Study

An eco-friendly approach was used to fabricate zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using thyme, Thymus vulgaris L., leaf extract. The produced ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by XRD and SEM analysis. The ZnO NPs showed remarkable adsorption efficiency for tetracycline (TC) from water systems, with a maximum removal rate of 95% under optimal conditions (10 ppm, 0.10 g of ZnO NPs, pH 8.5, and 30 min at 25 °C). The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-2nd-order model, and the adsorption process fitted the Temkin isotherm model. The process was spontaneous, endothermic, and primarily chemisorptive. Quantum chemistry calculations, utilizing electrostatic potential maps and HOMO-LUMO gap analysis, have confirmed the stability of the TC clusters. This study suggests that green synthesis using plant extracts presents an opportunity to generate nanoparticles with properties suitable for real-world applications.

One-Pot Synthesis of β-Amino Carbonyl Compounds via the Mannich Reaction Using a Barium-Modified Bismuth-Phosphovanadate Catalyst: A Green and Eco-Friendly Approach

A simple and efficient one-pot three-component Mannich reaction for synthesizing β-amino ketones is developed, using barium-modified bismuth phosphovanadate as a catalyst under room temperature conditions. The catalyst, prepared by thermal synthesis, was characterized by FT-IR, SEM, EDS, and XRD. The reaction involves the formation of C-C and C-N bonds through an enolizable carbonyl compound and an imine intermediate, yielding high amounts of the desired product. The method features low catalyst loading, fast reaction times, excellent yields, recyclability, and a clean reaction profile without by-products.

Identification of cadmium-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and characterization of its Cd-biosorption and strengthening effect on phytoremediation: Development of a new amphibious-biocleaner for Cd-contaminated site

The use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in decontaminating cadmium-contaminated soil and water is a sustainable and eco-friendly approach. This study aimed to isolate a PGPR strain from the rhizosphere soil of Solanum nigrum and evaluate its potential and mechanisms in remediating Cd-contaminated environments. The results showed that the isolated strain, Klebsiella sp. AW2, can tolerate 240 mg/L Cd2+. Batch biosorption experiments indicated that the optimal conditions for PGPR biosorption were a pH of 5.0, a biosorbent dosage of 1.0 g/L, and a Cd2+ concentration of 10 mg/L, resulting in a biosorption rate of 40.99%. Model fitting results revealed that the Cd biosorption process followed a uniform surface monolayer chemisorption mechanism, likely involving complexation with functional groups such as -NH, -OH, and -C=O, according to Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and desorption experiments. Furthermore, pot experiments demonstrated that PGPR application significantly enhanced the phytoremediation efficiency of Cd-contaminated soil, increasing the phytoextraction ratio by 32.41%. This improvement was primarily achieved by promoting S. nigrum growth and facilitating Cd horizontal transfer from rhizosphere soil to plants through influencing the rhizosphere soil physicochemical properties and Cd2+ influx in roots. In addition, the copy number of the 16S rRNA gene of the PGPR revealed that the PGPR was predominantly localized in the rhizosphere soil, directly leading to increased availability of Cd for plant uptake. Overall, these findings indicate that Klebsiella sp. AW2 is a promising biocleaner for Cd-contaminated environments and provide valuable insights into the application of biosorbents in phytoremediation efforts.

Electrochemical determination of nitazoxanide in environmental and pharmaceutical samples using a boron-doped diamond electrode

Consumption of Nitazoxanide (NTZ), a compound belonging to the class of nitrothiazoles, has increased due to its efficiency in treating viral gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus and norovirus “coronavirus disease”. Thus, developing a method capable of monitoring NTZ in wastewater and pharmaceutical formulations is relevant to human health control. However, most methods for NTZ determination are expensive and time-consuming. Hence, we present a fast, efficient, and low-waste method for NTZ monitoring in drugs and water samples using a boron-doped diamond electrode. A 3D-printed electrochemical cell with a capacity of 2 mL was used for all studies. Besides the simplicity of low waste generation, the method provided good analytical performance with a linear range of 2.0–20.0 µmol/L of NTZ, and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.57 µmol/L. Recovery percentages between 99 and 107 % were obtained to analyze spiked samples. In addition, we demonstrate that the LOD value can be significantly improved by 50 times after applying a pre-concentration step using solid-phase extraction. Therefore, we believe the described approach is a simple and efficient electrochemical method for monitoring NTZ levels in pharmaceutical and environmental samples without laborious sample preparation procedures. This is the first report to describe the use of BDD electrodes for NTZ monitoring and environmental sample analysis using an eco-friendly approach.

Biochar-bacteria coupling system enhanced the bioremediation of phenol wastewater-based on life cycle assessment and environmental safety analysis

The efficient treatment of phenol wastewater is of great necessity since it induces serious pollution of water and soil ecosystems. Using biochar-immobilized functional microorganisms can innovatively and sustainably deal with the existing problem. In this study, we utilized response surface methodology (RSM) combined with life cycle assessment (LCA) to improve phenol biodegradation rate through a novel separated alkali-resistant and thermophilic strain Bacillus halotolerans ACY. Bioinformatic analysis revealed the genetic foundation of ACY to adapt to harsh environments. The characteristics of pig manure biochar (PMB) produced at varying pyrolysis temperatures (300-700 ℃) and adsorption experiment were investigated, immobilization of the phenol-degrading ACY on PMB600 under alkaline and high pollution load promoted phenol removal and extreme environment resistance, and the phenol removal rate reached 99.5% in 7d in actual phenol wastewater, which increased compared with those achieved by PMB (50.6%) and free bacteria (80.5%) alone. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) observations indicated the successful bacterial immobilization on PMB600. Reusability and economic cost study further demonstrated PMB600 as an excellent carrier for wastewater treatment. LC-MS, toxicology and carbon footprint analyses demonstrated that bacterial metabolism exerted synergy with adsorption for phenol removal, while biodegradation exerted the predominant impact on the immobilized bacterial system. This study provides an eco-friendly and effective approach to treat phenol wastewater.

Sustainable utilization of feldspar powder from lithium extraction byproducts as road construction material

In order to reduce the storage cost and avoid environmental hazards of feldspar powder waste from lithium extraction byproducts, this work investigated the feasibility of ordinary silicate cement-stabilized feldspar powder-lateritic clay (FP-LC) composite as road construction material. Firstly, preliminary mix design of the new material was conducted to determine the optimum moisture content and maximum dry density. Subsequently, the effects of ratio of FP to LC on the mechanical properties of the composite were investigated through unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California bearing ratio (CBR) and shear strength tests. Finally, the strength formation mechanism of the FP-LC mixture was analyzed in combination with SEM and XRD testing. The results indicate that the UCS after 14 d curing, CBR and cohesive strength of FP simply stabilized by 6% cement is 0.95MPa, 87.3% and 140.64 kPa, respectively, which can meet the requirements for subgrade materials. The addition of LC significantly improves the mechanical properties of the composite. The mass ratio of 40% FP to 60% LC results in the optimal UCS after 14 d curing, CBR and cohesive strength with 1.6MPa, 164.1% and 250.16 kPa, respectively, which makes it applicable as subbase materials for medium-light traffic levels. The particle closest packing analysis and SEM and XRD characterization demonstrated that the enhancement of UCS, CBR and shear strength comes from compact arrangement of FP and LC particles and the bonding effect of cement hydration products between them. This work proposes an eco-friendly and sustainable utilization approach of feldspar powder from lithium extraction byproducts as road construction material, which are important to overcome the challenges of both waste management and resource shortage for new energy and highway industries, respectively.

Bamboo waste derived hard carbon as high performance anode for sodium-ion batteries

Biomass-derived hard carbon stands out as one of the most promising anode materials for advancing the commercial viability of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). In this study, we harnessed a straightforward and eco-friendly two-step carbonization approach to fabricate high-performance hard carbon materials, ingeniously repurposing industrial bamboo waste. Concurrently, we delved into the impact of carbonization temperature on the microstructure and properties of the hard carbon derived from bamboo waste. The findings revealed that the as-prepared hard carbon at 1400 °C (HCB-1400) showcased the most desirable sodium-ion storage capabilities. The HCB-1400 material not only can deliver a substantial reversible capacity of 328.4 mAh g−1 at 30 mA g−1 in its maiden charge-discharge cycle but also display remarkable cycling stability. Moreover, the HCB-1400//Na3V2(PO4)3 full cell, when assembled, exhibited an impressive energy density of 249.25 Wh kg−1, with a capacity retention rate of 93 % after enduring 200 cycles at a current density of 1.0 C. This research underscores the potential of transforming biomass waste into high-performance hard carbon, heralding a sustainable path for SIB applications.

Dual-information and large-scale structural color patterns by laser direct writing with a low-index tailored nanostructure array

Dielectric nanostructures are widely embraced in the field of structural color design due to their low-cost characteristics, enabling sub-micron scale color printing. However, challenges still exist in the selection of structures and image encryption. In this study, we propose a method for printing dual patterns using tailored scattering structures based on two-photon polymerization. We extensively analyze the color performance of each structure in zeroth-order diffraction under cross-polarized transmission and bright-field transmission illumination. By selecting appropriate structures based on their characteristics, we prepared full-color panels and successfully utilized these panels to print both color patterns and dual patterns, achieving multi-level control of color and information. Based on the above study, a large-sale color pattern with a hidden message in an area of 3.2 cm×2.4 cm is printed, which can be directly observed. Our results demonstrate a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to color preparation, offering innovative strategies and methods for the fields of color science and steganography for information security.

Phytofabrication, characterization and investigation of biological properties of Punica granatum flower-derived silver nanoparticles

Due to the exceeding need to the fabrication metal nanoparticles (NPs) for different applications, exploring innovative eco-friendly approaches for the synthesis of these NPs has attracted significant attention. The objective of this study is to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous extract of Punica granatum flowers. Furthermore, it aims to examine the different biological properties of these NPs, such as their antibacterial, antioxidant, anticoagulant, alpha-amylase inhibition, bacterial biofilm inhibition, and bacterial biofilm degradation activities. The AgNPs were characterized using several techniques, including UV–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The AgNPs were spherical in shape, and they had a Z-average diameter of 40.50 nm and a zeta potential of −19.5 mV. The AgNPs, at a concentration of 1000 µg.mL−1, represented in vitro antioxidant and α-amylase inhibition performance of 73.19 ± 1.02 % and 73.84 ± 1.75 %, respectively. Interestingly, the AgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity at phenotypic and molecular levels against Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 32 and 16 µg.mL−1, respectively. AgNPs effectively downregulated the biofilm formation of icaA and icaD genes in S. aureus, with a stronger impact on icaA, though tetracycline exhibited superior inhibition overall at the concentration of MIC. In A. baumannii, AgNPs reduced the expression of the biofilm formation pgaA and bfmsS genes, but not bfmsR, while tetracycline suppressed all three genes at the concentration of MIC. By addressing these novel aspects, this study aims to advance the field of green nanotechnology and open new avenues for the application of biogenic AgNPs in various domains.

Anode interface-stabilizing dry process employing a binary binder system for ultra-thick and durable battery electrode fabrication

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based dry process has gained attention in the battery industry owing to their sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and ability to fabricate high loading electrodes. However, the electrochemical instability of PTFE in anodic environments causes significant capacity loss, hindering the development of high-performance dry-processed anodes. In this study, a binary binder system of PTFE and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is proposed to prevent direct contact between graphite and PTFE, mitigating unwanted interphase evolution. This strategy improves the mechanical integrity of the electrode. It maintains the binding force between the active materials and PTFE binders. PVP also forms a robust inorganic-rich SEI, enhancing Li-ion kinetics and interfacial stability. Consequently, dry-processed graphite with PVP achieved ultra-high loading anodes (∼10 mAh cm−2) with excellent cycle stability over 200 cycles in full cells coupled with LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathodes. This paper presents a cost-effective, high-loading electrode fabrication process and an eco-friendly approach for large-scale electrification.

Upcycling heavy impure crude terephthalic acid into porous carbons for adsorption of dye pollutants: The role of endogenous ferric groups

Crude terephthalic acid (CTA), a byproduct in the textile industry, is generated from the acid-precipitation process during the treatment of alkali-peeling (AP) wastewater. Due to its heavy impurity, CTA is typically disposed of as solid waste through incineration and landfilling, leading to severe pollution and resource wastage. In this work, an upcycling method was explored to convert CTA into carbonaceous adsorbent through pyrolysis at temperatures ranging from 400 to 800 °C. The carbonization mechanism of CTA to carbon was thoroughly investigated by using TGA-MS, FT-IR and XPS analyses. The resulting CTA carbons exhibited excellent adsorption performance for dye adsorption. For instance, the adsorption capacity for methylene blue (MB) reached 87.9 mg/g, surpassing the performance of several biochar adsorbents. Besides, it was found that the adsorption performance of CTA carbons was better than that of Fe-PTA carbons which have larger specific surface area and such result was attributed to the rich acidic functional groups on CTA carbon surface. Moreover, used CTA carbons could be recovered efficiently by self-activating low-concentration peroxydisulfate, achieving the regeneration rate of 82 %. Our work offers a promising eco-friendly approach for CTA upcycling in textile industry.

New insight on the role of banana plant (Musa acuminata Cavendish) template in low-temperature synthesis of hydroxyapatite

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a highly biocompatible biomaterial widely used in biomedicine. Green template-based synthesis offers an eco-friendly approach to control nanoparticle morphology and agglomeration. The phytochemicals of banana plant parts are promising green templates for HA synthesis. Hydrothermal method was employed for HA synthesis, followed by FTIR, SEM, XRD, and PSA characterization. FTIR revealed water absorption in HAK150 and HAP150, while HAB150 showed minimal or absent absorption. SEM displayed cauliflower-like particle surface morphology. XRD indicated HAB150’s highest % crystallinity at 79.14 %, with a size of 26.05 nm. PSA showed the smallest HA particle size in HAB150 (1.30 µm), and HAK150 exhibited the lowest polydispersity index (0.789).

Redefining the waste: Sustainable management of olive mill waste for the recovery of phenolic compounds and organic acids

The olive oil industry generates significant amounts of olive mill waste (OMW), which poses environmental challenges due to its high organic load and phenolic content. This study investigates an eco-friendly approach to managing OMW by recovering valuable phenolic compounds (PCs) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) through an integrated process. The methodology involves a filter press, followed by a self-cleaning mechanical vapor recompression (SCMVR) process for water and volatile compounds separation, and a subsequent liquid-liquid extraction for PCs. 99 % of the VFAs were recovered as organic acid salts from the SCMVR distillate and characterized using X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) of response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction process, considering variables such as solvent type, pH, temperature, and extraction time. The liquid-liquid extraction process yielded a 98 % recovery of PCs with two-stage extraction process, including key phenolic species such as vanillic acid, caffeic acid, oleuropein, coumaric acid and gallic acid, identified by LC-MS/MS. This study highlights the potential for converting olive mill waste into valuable resources, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting a circular economy in the olive oil industry.

Nature-Inspired Antimicrobial Agents: Cinnamon-Derived Copper Oxide Nanoparticles for Effective Aspergillus Niger Control.

The emergence of resistant bacterial and fungal strains poses significant challenges in various industrial processes including food, medicines, and leather industry. It necessitates the development of novel and effective antimicrobial agents. In the present work, we have developed an ecofriendly and sustainable approach to synthesize silver-doped copper oxide nanoparticles by using cinnamon bark extract (C-CuO/Ag). The nanoparticles were characterized via UV-visible spectroscopy at 190-800 nm, FT-IR, SEM-EDAX, XRD, and further subjected to determine antimicrobial potential, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and anti-biofilm potential against both bacterial and fungal species. UV-visible spectrum showed maximum absorption at 210 nm in ultraviolet range and 419 nm in visible range. Various strong and weak peaks were obtained in FT-IR spectra, which defined the presence of corresponding functional groups in C-CuO/Ag nanoparticles. SEM analysis revealed the tightly packed confirmation, while EDS confirmed the elemental analysis of C-CuO/Ag nanoparticles. XRD spectrum of C-CuO/Ag nanoparticles showed strong diffraction peaks at 2Ө of 31.92˚, 35.67˚, and 48.51˚, which confined with the plane indices of (-110), (111), and (-202), respectively, while weak diffraction peaks at 2Ө of 56.31˚, 58.9˚, and 77.4˚, which leads to the crystal planes of (202), (-220), and (311), respectively. Antimicrobial assays showed clear zones of inhibition against microbial strains as maximum inhibition diameter was observed against Aspergillus niger (31.5 ± 0.7 mm) followed by Escherichia coli (30.1 ± 0.3 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (29.5 ± 0.7 mm). These findings provide support clear evidence that CuO nanoparticles can serve as potent antibacterial and antifungal compounds against highly resistive and pathogenic microbial strains.

Facile fractionation of poplar by a novel ternary deep eutectic solvent (DES) for cellulosic ethanol production under mild pretreatment conditions

The efficient fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass using deep eutectic solvent (DES) is emerging as an innovative and eco-friendly approach. In this study, a novel ternary DES composed of triethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (TEBAC), p-toluene sulfonic acid (TsOH), and ethylene glycol (EG) was employed for the pretreatment of poplar wood to enhance cellulosic ethanol production. Key pretreatment parameters, including temperature, DES molar ratios, and reaction time, were systematically optimized. Under optimal conditions (90 ºC, 60 min, TEBAC/TsOH/EG ratio of 1:1.5:3) lignin removal reached 90.64±1.28 % and xylan removal achieved 85.56±1.34 %, significantly improving cellulose digestibility. The improvement might be attributed to the removal of hemicellulose and lignin, which exposed cellulose and enhanced the accessibility of cellulase to cellulose. Additionally, optimized enzymatic hydrolysis yielded a glucose concentration of 65.98±0.97 g/L using an enzyme loading of 15 FPU/g poplar and a solid loading of 13.33 %. Furthermore, during pre-hydrolysis combined with simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (PSSF), an ethanol concentration of 37.58±0.23 g/L was achieved. Overall, this study demonstrates a novel ternary DES pretreatment method that effectively facilitates the fractionation and conversion of woody biomass into cellulosic ethanol.

Sustainable innovations in biomedical materials: A review of eco-friendly synthesis approaches

In recent years, the biomedical field has witnessed significant advancements at the intersection of technology and biology. Metallic, polymeric, and carbonaceous materials have emerged as crucial components in developing and enhancing cutting-edge technologies. The properties of these materials, such as particle size, stability, and surface chemistry, are determined by their synthesis methods, which, in turn, enable specific applications. These materials are primarily synthesized through top-down and bottom-up techniques, each characterized by distinct preparation conditions, precursor materials, and catalytic processes. However, conventional synthesis methods often require substantial energy consumption, hazardous solvents, and non-renewable precursors, leading to environmental concerns and long-term costs. This review aims to provide an overview of the primary approaches and recent efforts to optimize the production and preparation processes of nanomaterials for biomedical applications. It addresses the advantages and limitations of green synthesis methods compared to traditional chemical and physical methods, offering an objective overview of green synthesis. In addition, it provides insights into the pre-clinical and clinical statuses of various nanomaterials. These efforts aim to mitigate the environmental impact of biomedical material synthesis by adopting eco-friendly strategies, such as minimizing energy consumption, utilizing environmentally friendly precursors, and embracing environmentally benign catalytic methodologies, while still leveraging traditional techniques.

Cu Anchored Carbon Nitride (Cu/CN) Catalyzes Selective Oxidation of Thiol by Controlling Reactive Oxygen Species Generation.

Production of H2O2 using heterogeneous semiconductor photocatalysts has emerged as an ecofriendly and practical approach across various applications, ranging from environmental detoxification to fuel cells and chemical synthesis. Extensive efforts have been devoted to engineering semiconductors to enhance their catalytic capabilities for H2O2 production. However, in chemical synthesis, the utilization of the potent oxidant H2O2 can present challenges in selectively oxidizing organic compounds. In this study, we introduce copper atoms into carbon nitride (Cu/CN), facilitating the generation of hydroperoxyl radicals (·OOH) as primary reactive oxidants and offering reaction conditions entirely devoid of H2O2 via the Fenton reaction. Cu/CN demonstrates selective oxidation of thiols to disulfides, in contrast to other current heterogeneous photocatalysts that yield undesired overoxidized side products, such as thiosulfinate and thiosulfonate. Cu/CN's controllable capacity for specific ROS generation, broad substrate scopes, and recyclability empower greener and highly selective photooxidation of organic compounds.

Green synthesis of Brassica carinata microgreen silver nanoparticles, characterization, safety assessment, and antimicrobial activities

Nanotechnology has been a central focus of scientific investigation over the past decades owing to its versatile applications. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through plant secondary metabolites is a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach. The present study employed Brassica carinata microgreen extracts (BCME) to promote the reduction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) salt into Brassica carinata microgreen silver nanoparticles (BCM-AgNPs). The physicochemical properties of the biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized through both spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. Furthermore, the antimicrobial property of the biosynthesized AgNPs was assessed against six selected pathogenic microorganisms, and finally, their safety was evaluated on a normal Vero cell line through an MTT cytotoxicity assay. The UV-visible spectrum revealed that BCM-AgNPs exhibited an absorption peak at 420 nm. The potential functional groups involved in the biosynthesis of AgNPs were identified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a spherical nature of the biosynthesized AgNPs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed the crystallinity of the AgNPs, averaging 34.68 nm in size. X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation further confirmed the crystalline structure of the AgNPs. The zeta potential exhibited a significant value of − 22.5 ± 1.16 mV. Regarding the antimicrobial potential, BCM-AgNPs exhibited promising antimicrobial activity against the tested pathogens, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 62.5 µg/mL observed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further cytotoxicity assessment of BCM-AgNPs conducted on Vero cells demonstrated their safety. This study presents a novel approach to synthesizing AgNPs using a nutraceutical microgreen, offering a biocompatible and promising alternative for combating multi-drug resistance.