GREEN SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES USING PLANT EXTRACTS FOR ENHANCED ANTIMICROBIAL AND WOUND HEALING APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as promising nanomaterials in biomedical applications due to their strong antimicrobial and wound healing properties. This study focuses on the eco-friendly green synthesis of AgNPs using plant extracts as natural reducing and stabilizing agents, addressing the limitations of conventional chemical synthesis methods that involve toxic reagents and environmental hazards. The methodology involved preparation of plant extract followed by its reaction with silver nitrate under controlled conditions to synthesize AgNPs. The nanoparticles were purified and characterized using advanced analytical techniques including UV–Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX to determine their optical, structural, and morphological properties. The results confirmed successful synthesis of crystalline, nanoscale AgNPs with a characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 404 nm. Biological evaluations demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans, with a concentration-dependent increase in inhibition zones and low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. The nanoparticles also exhibited considerable antioxidant activity, achieving up to 78.6% radical scavenging efficiency. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed good biocompatibility, maintaining over 80% cell viability at concentrations ≤50 µg/mL. Furthermore, in vitro scratch assay results showed enhanced fibroblast migration and accelerated wound closure, reaching approximately 87.9% healing within 24 hours.

In conclusion, plant-mediated AgNPs demonstrate multifunctional properties including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound healing capabilities. The study highlights their potential as sustainable and effective alternatives for biomedical applications, particularly in wound management, while emphasizing the need for further in vivo investigations for clinical translation.