Green synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Cibotium barometz root.

Green synthesis of gold (CB-AuNps) and silver (CB-AgNps) nanoparticles using Cibotium barometz root extract was highlighted. CB-AuNps were synthesized almost instantly and CB-AgNps were formed after 25 min in a heated aqueous extract. The formation of CB-AuNps and CB-AgNps was detected at 548 and 412 nm; they were spherical with crystallite sizes of 6 nm and 23 nm, respectively. CB-AgNps were further investigated for their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrzyl (DPPH) free radicals was demonstrated. Lastly, the cytotoxic properties of CB-AuNps and CB-AgNps were explored in murine macrophages (RAW264.7) cells and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. This study demonstrated the prospective biomedical applications of CB-AuNps and CB-AgNps as antioxidant, antimicrobial agents, and drug-delivery agents.