Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Elaeagnus angustifolia extract: characterization and evaluation of antibacterial and cytotoxic properties.

BACKGROUND: Current medical problems are complex and require a new approach. Nanomaterials can address these complications. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), in particular green-synthetized particles, because of their unique properties have attract the attention of scientist. The objective of this work deals with using Elaeagnus angustifolia (EA) leaf extract as a reducing agent for biofabrication of AgNPs and investigation of its antibacterial and anti-cancer properties. METHOD: UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning-Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques were used for characterization of the biosynthesized AgNPs. Antimicrobial efficacy was measured through disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods, while cytotoxic effects on PC-3 cancer cells were evaluated using the MTT assay. RESULT: The biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited a strong surface plasmon resonance peak at approximately 441 nm, confirming successful synthesis. XRD analysis indicated a face-centered cubic structure, with crystallite sizes 27.04 nm. Antibacterial tests revealed significant activity against E. coli and K. pneumoniae, with AgNPs demonstrating comparable efficacy to standard antibiotics. In particular, AgNPs demonstrated successful activity on E. coli with an MIC value of 113.24 ± 14.36 and an inhibition zone of 24.32 ± 1.25 mm, comparable to standard antibiotics Furthermore, the AgNPs displayed notable cytotoxic effects on PC-3 cells, with an IC50 value of 58.77 µg/mL. CONCLUSION: The results explore the potential of leaf extract of Elaeagnus angustifolia as an effective agent for the green synthesis of AgNPs that have significant antibacterial properties. This study supports the application of green synthesis in medical therapies.