Environmentally friendly green approach for the fabrication of silver oxide nanoparticles: Characterization and diverse biomedical applications

In the present study, green silver nanoparticles (Ag₂ ONPs) were prepared from aqueous and ethanolic leaves extract of Rhamnus virgata in a facile, green, cost-effective, and eco-friendly way. The color changes from light brown to brownish black determined the synthesis of Ag₂ ONPs_(Aq) and Ag₂ ONPs_(Et) . The phytofabrication of Ag₂ ONPs was confirmed using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques: energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray powder diffraction, Raman, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Detailed in vitro biological activities determined significant biopotentials for Ag₂ ONPs. The Ag₂ ONPs_(Aq) and Ag₂ ONPs_(Et) were investigated for anticancer potential against HUH-7 (IC₅₀ : 9.075 μg/ml for Ag₂ O_(Aq) and 25.66 μg/ml for Ag₂ O_(Et) ) and HepG2 (IC₅₀ : 25.18 μg/ml for Ag₂ O_(Aq) and IC₅₀ : 27.74 μg/ml for Ag₂ O_(Aq) ) cell lines. Concentration-dependent cytotoxicity was performed against brine-shrimps (IC₅₀ : 36.04 μg/ml for Ag₂ O_(Aq) and 28.82 μg/ml for Ag₂ O_(Et) ) and Leishmanial parasite (amastigotes and promastigotes). Disc-diffusion method revealed significant antimicrobial activities. In addition, significant enzyme inhibitory activity and antiradical potentials were studied. The hemocompatible nature of Ag₂ ONPs_(Aq) and Ag₂ ONPs_(Et) was revealed using biocompatibility tests. In conclusion, the green Ag₂ ONPs_(Aq) and Ag₂ ONPs_(Et) are nontoxic and biocompatible and has shown significant biological activities. We further encourage in vivo studies to ensure biosafety and biocompatibility, so that they can be effectively utilized in nano-pharmaceutical industries.

Keywords: Ag2ONPs; anticancer; antileishmanial; antimicrobial; biocompatibility; protein kinase.