Evaluation of Antimicrobial activity, Antioxidant activity, and Cytotoxicity of nanoparticles produced by green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from medicinal plants

Abstract

Green synthesis methods, utilizing plant extracts, offer a sustainable alternative to traditional methods for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), reducing harmful chemicals and ensuring effective nanoparticle production, attracting attention for biomedicine and environmental remediation. The thesis investigates the green synthesis of AgNPs using plant extracts from six species Smyrnium olusatrum, Ferula communis, Teucrium polium, Peganum harmala, Atriplex halimus and Equisetum arvense hypothesizing that these extracts will successfully mediate the process and exhibit significant antimicrobial and antioxidant and cytotoxicity properties, based on their bioactive compounds. AgNPs were synthesized using silver nitrate reduction using plant extracts. UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the biosynthesis, while well diffusion assays assessed antimicrobial properties. The DPPH free radical scavenging assay quantified antioxidant capacity. The study provides insights into AgNPs' structural properties. The nanoparticles confirming their role in reducing silver ions and stabilizing nanoparticles showed antimicrobial and antioxidant activity against bacterial and fungal pathogens, indicating potential applications in nanomedicine, agriculture, and environmental protection. The study highlights the potential of green synthesis methods in nanotechnology, suggesting their bioactivity could be used to develop antimicrobial agents and therapeutic applications. Future research should focus on optimizing synthesis conditions and scaling up production for industrial applications.