Biofabrication of GO–Ag nanocomposite using Cucumis callosus (kachri) fruits: Enhanced antibacterial properties and green synthesis approach

Abstract

This study presents a novel, environmentally sustainable method for the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) sheets decorated uniformly with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) ranging in size from 4 to 34 nm. The reduction of AgNO₃ is achieved using an extract derived from Cucumis callosus fruit, which serves as a dual-function stabilizing and reducing agent. Cucumis callosus, belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family and native to regions such as India, South America, Thailand, Africa, and Egypt, is recognized for its substantial nutritional and medicinal value, encompassing antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we explore the utilization of Cucumis callosus extract for the first time in synthesizing Ag NPs, employing a green synthesis approach to produce GO–Ag nanocomposites. Comprehensive characterization techniques confirm the structural integrity and quality of the synthesized nanocomposites. The antibacterial efficacy of the green-synthesized Ag-decorated GO nanocomposites was evaluated using the disk diffusion method against Bacillus subtilis (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) bacteria at varying dosages. The nanocomposites demonstrated dose-dependent antibacterial activity against both bacterial strains, with a notably heightened effect observed against Gram-negative bacteria. These findings underscore the potential of Cucumis callosus as a promising candidate for the sustainable preparation of GO–Ag nanocomposites with enhanced antibacterial properties, suitable for various biomedical and environmental applications.

Research Highlights

• This work presents a simple, environmentally free, and cost-effective green synthesis method to decorate uniformly small (4–34 nm) spherical Ag NPs on the GO sheets.
• Ag NPs were produced by reducing AgNO₃ using Cucumis callosus fruit extract as a stabilizing and reducing agent.
• The nanocomposites show dosage-dependent antibacterial activities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, but the antibacterial effect is higher against the Gram-negative bacteria.
• Synthesis of these nanocomposites via the green route using an herbal plant/fruit like Cucumis callosus will benefit the medical industry.