Phytomediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles against microbial pathogens and cytotoxicity on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7)

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are synthesized from the root extract of the Abutilon indicum plant. Nitrate reductase enzyme and/or other extra cellular proteins released from the extract reduce the silver nitrate to silver ions. These proteins or enzymes serve as a template for the silver nucleation sites in the development of silver nanoparticles, and also act as capping agents, preventing silver ion agglomeration. XRD analysis predicts the phase of the nanoparticles. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscope analyses have revealed that the synthesized AgNPs are spherical in shape, with an average size of 17 nm. From the data, it is noted that the protein molecules and fatty acids present in the root extract of Abutilon indicum, play a vital role in reducing silver salts and as capping AgNPs at various concentrations. Bactericidal activity acting against the clinical pathogens was performed, and it was observed that NP inhibition is highly dependent on their size and surface. Cytotoxic studies were carried out with these synthesized silver nanoparticles using MTT assay on MCF-7 cells.