Green Synthesized of Silver Nanoparticles from Anisophyllea corneri Leaf Extract and Its Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities

Abstract

Introduction: The escalating global threat of multidrug-resistant pathogens necessitates innovative approaches to combat drug resistance. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as promising candidates due to their potent antimicrobial and anti-cancer properties. Green synthesis of AgNPs using plant extracts offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective method. This study focuses on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AC-AgNPs) using Anisophyllea corneri leaf extracts and evaluates their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. Materials and methods: An eco-friendly synthesis approach was employed, utilizing A. corneri leaf extracts as reducing agents. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) was utilized for phytochemical profiling. The synthesis process was optimized at various temperatures (60?C, 70?C, 80?C) and pH levels (4, 9) to achieve optimal AgNPs outcomes. Characterization of AC-AgNPs included UV-Vis spectrophotometry, FTIR, SEM, Zeta potential, and Particle Size Analyzer (PSA). Antimicrobial evaluation was conducted against four bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) using paper disc diffusion. Cytotoxicity was assessed through the MTT assay on MCF-7 (breast cancer cell line). Results: A. corneri leaf extract exhibited abundant active compounds facilitating the reduction of silver ions. Optimization revealed that 70?C at pH 9 produced AC-AgNPs with a minimal particle size of 135.5 nm and a stable zeta potential (-45.1±11.7 mV). AC-AgNPs displayed a spherical morphology. Antimicrobial trials demonstrated moderate efficacy against the tested bacteria, with inhibition zones ranging from 8 to 10 mm. Additionally, AC-AgNPs exhibited cytotoxic potential with a moderate IC50 of 74.9 µg/mL. Conclusion: The green synthesis, characterisation and biological activities of AgNPs from A. corneri leaf extracts have been established. It is recommended to optimise the synthesis process and validate the biological activities.

Keywords

• Anisophyllea corneri
• antimicrobial
• cytotoxic
• green synthesis
• silver nanoparticle