Phytogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Ecbolium ligustrinum (Vahl) Volleson leaf extract for investigation of its in vitro biological applications and photocatalytic activity for the reduction of methylene blue

Abstract

In the current study, highlights an eco-friendly approach for the bio-reduction of silver nitrate using E. ligustrinum (Vahl) Volleson aqueous leaf extract (ELALE) for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The existence of an absorption peak at 445 nm in a UV–vis spectrometer confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs. XRD, SEM, EDAX, and TEM investigations were used to examine the AgNPs physical attributes, including the crystal structure, morphology, purity, and size. The results showed AgNPs were spherical, polydispersed particles with sizes ranging from 10 to 30 nm. FTIR evaluation was also employed to establish the existence of different functional categories in the synthesized AgNPs. The AgNPs showed significant bacterial inhibitory effects against gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae; 16.06 ± 0.92 mm) bacterial strains. The DPPH and ABTS free radicals are notably inhibited by the produced AgNPs, with IC₅₀ values of 12.76 and 7.85 µg/mL, respectively. The HRBC membrane-stabilizing activity (IC₅₀-564.74 μg/mL) and albumin denaturation (IC₅₀-153.7 μg/mL) were both significantly inhibited by these AgNPs. In vitro anticancer effects of AgNPs were investigated on the lung carcinoma A549 cell line. Anti-proliferative activity was detected by the MTT test, with an IC₅₀ value of 36.91 µg/mL. Moreover, when exposed to visible light, the hazardous methylene blue (MB) dye was photodegraded by the AgNPs. The experiment demonstrated that AgNPs can degrade 91.69 % of MB dye. The numerous benefits of using ELALE to generate AgNPs have great potential for both environmental remediation and medicinal uses.