Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: Characterization and its potential biomedical applications

Abstract

In recent times, research on the synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) has developed rapidly and attracted considerable attention. The use of plant extracts is the preferred mode for the biological synthesis of NPs due to the presence of biologically active constituents. Aloe vera is a plant endowed with therapeutic benefits especially in skincare due to its unique curative properties. The present study focused on an environmental friendly and rapid method of phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using A. vera gel extract as a reductant. The synthesized Ag-NPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). TEM micrographs showed spherical-shaped synthesized Ag-NPs with a diameter of 50–100 nm. The UV-Vis spectrum displayed a broad absorption peak of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at 450 nm. The mean size and size distribution of the formed Ag-NPs were investigated using the DLS technique. Antibacterial studies revealed zones of inhibition by Ag-NPs of A. vera (9 and 7 mm) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, respectively. Furthermore, the antifungal activity was screened, based on the diameter of the growth inhibition zone using the synthesized Ag-NPs for different fungal strains. Anticancer activity of the synthesized Ag-NPs against the mouse melanoma F10B16 cell line revealed 100% inhibition with Ag-NPs at a concentration of 100 µg mL−1. The phytosynthesized Ag-NPs demonstrated a marked antimicrobial activity and also exhibited a potent cytotoxic effect against mouse melanoma F10B16 cells. The key findings of this study indicate that synthesized Ag-NPs exhibit profound therapeutic activity and could be potentially ideal alternatives in medicinal applications.

Keywords

• aloe vera
• phytosynthesis
• silver nanoparticle
• antitumor
• antimicrobial activities