Synthesis, characterization, and biological activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Aristolochia bracteolata lam

Green Synthesis of Gold, Iron and Selenium Nanoparticles Using Phytoconstituents: Preliminary Evaluation of Antioxidant and Biocompatibility Potential

This study aimed at fabricating gold (Au), iron (Fe) and selenium (Se) nanoparticles (NPs) using various natural plant extracts from the Fertile Crescent area and evaluating their potential application as antioxidant and biocompatible agents to be used in the pharmaceutical field, especially in drug delivery. The Au-NPs were synthesized using Ephedra alata and Pistacia lentiscus extracts, whereas the Fe-NPs and Se-NPs were synthesized using peel, fruit and seed extracts of Punica granatum. The phytofabricated NPs were characterized by the UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDS) spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscope technique showed that the synthesized NPs surface was spherical, and the particle size analysis confirmed a particle size of 50 nm. The crystalline nature of the NPs was confirmed by the XRD analysis. All synthesized NPs were found to be biocompatible in the fibroblast and human erythroleukemic cell lines. Se-NPs showed a dose-dependent antitumor activity as evidenced from the experimental results with breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. A dose-dependent, free-radical scavenging effect of the Au-NPs and Se-NPs was observed in the DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay, with the highest effect recorded for Au-NPs.

Preparation of a multifunctional silver nanoparticles polylactic acid food packaging film using mango peel extract

As high-efficiency, safe, and low-drug resistant antibacterial agents, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely applied in food and biomedicine. AgNPs was prepared using mango peel extract (MPE) as green and cheap reducing agent and stabilizer. In addition, a novel of preservative film material was developed with polylactic acid (PLA) as protective and substrate. AgNPs was characterized by XPS, XRD and TEM, and the size of AgNPs were in the range of 2.5-6.5 nm. The addition of AgNPs improved the mechanical properties of the film and its barrier ability to water vapor and oxygen. The film exhibited excellent antibacterial properties, and the inhibition rate against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were above 95%. Furthermore, in terms of safety, the silver migration and cytotoxicity of the film met the relevant standards, and the shelf life of strawberries was significantly extended.