Synthesis and Biological Activities of Cactus-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis of Cactus-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles

Beenish Khanzada; Saba Naz; Aftab Ahmed Khand; Malaika Warsi; Aqsa Rajput

doi:10.54393/fbt.v6i1.231

Authors

Beenish Khanzada Institute of Biochemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
Saba Naz Institute of Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
Aftab Ahmed Khand Department of Physiology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
Malaika Warsi Institute of Biochemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
Aqsa Rajput Institute of Biochemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/fbt.v6i1.231

Keywords:

Moon Cactus, Rattail Cactus, Reducing Agents, Pigments, Nanoparticles, Phytochemicals, Capping Agents, Radical Scavenging

Abstract

The field of nanotechnology is expanding swiftly along with the diversified antioxidant and antibacterial applications of silver nanoparticles. Objectives: To articulate AgNPs using pigmented extract from two cactus varieties i.e., Rattail cactus (Disocactus flagelliformis) and Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii. Methods: Using a green synthesis methodology, silver nitrate solution and both cactus extracts were mixed and incubated, followed by a color variation detection. UV-visible, and FTIR analysis were performed to validate the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH assay, whereas well diffusion methods evaluated the antibacterial ability of cactus nanoparticles. Results: Blending of aceto-water extract of cactus plant with silver nitrate resulted a discrete color change from yellow to blackish brown. UV–Visible spectroscopy demonstrated surface plasmon peaks at 250 nm as well as at 400-450 nm. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified interactions in nanoparticle samples due to specific functional groups in cactus pigmented extract. Antioxidant capacity was appraised via DPPH assay at 500 ppm and 1000 ppm, enlightening enhanced radical scavenging (31-48%) with increased concentration, exclusively at 1000 ppm. Antibacterial efficacy was verified by agar well diffusion against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. It revealed distinct zones of inhibition, with greater activity against E. coli (17mm zones of inhibition) versus Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusions: The results of our study place Moon and Rattail Cactus pigment extracts as active green assets for AgNP fabrication, emphasizing their value in biomedical advances.

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