Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles from Manilkara zapota and Curcuma longa: Characterization and Biomedical Activities
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 15, No 3 (September 2026) pp. 757-770
Abstract
The study aimed to develop silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using herbal formulations from Manilkara zapota and Curcuma longa and to evaluate their biomedical applications. AgNPs were synthesized using an aqueous leaf extract prepared from Manilkara zapota and Curcuma longa and characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, SEM, FTIR, and XRD. Antioxidant activity was assessed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and nitric oxide (NO) assays and compared with the standard ascorbic acid, while anti-inflammatory potential was assessed by BSA, egg albumin, and MSA assays and compared with the standard diclofenac sodium. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by the agar-well diffusion method and time–kill curve assay against wound pathogens. The generation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was validated through UV–Vis spectral analysis, which showed a peak at 435 nm. The DPPH, H2O2, FRAP, ABTS, and NO assays showed concentration-dependent inhibition, with a maximum at 50 µg/mL. Similarly, the BSA, egg albumin, and MSA assays demonstrated concentration-dependent effects, with maximum anti-inflammatory potential at 50 µg/mL. The agar-well diffusion and time–kill curve assays demonstrated the antibacterial potential of AgNPs against wound pathogens, with inhibition zones of 14 mm for Escherichia coli, 18 mm for Pseudomonas sp., 16 mm for Staphylococcus aureus, and 9 mm for Candida albicans. This study demonstrates an eco-friendly preparation of AgNPs using a combined leaf extract of M. zapota and C. longa, along with their significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. In addition, the AgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity against wound pathogens. The results support the use of silver nanoparticles in therapeutic applications.
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Reference
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