Biogenic Argentum Nanoparticles for Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antioxidant, and Anticancer Activities

Utilizing extracts from the Heteropogon contortus plant, Argentum nanoparticles (HC-AgNPs) have been synthesized. The spectral analysis via UV–vis spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Argentum NPs exhibiting a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 445 nm. HR-TEM unveiled spherical HC-AgNPs spanning a size spectrum of 37.92 nm. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis ascertained an average crystallite size of 12.54 nm, characterized by a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements revealed a hydrodynamic average size of HC-AgNPs at 81.2 nm. Zeta potential analysis underscored the stability of the bioengineered HC-AgNPs, indicating a value of -21.8mV. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay highlighted the robust scavenging capability of HC-AgNPs, exhibiting an efficiency of 77.64% at a concentration of 500 µg/mL, with an IC₅₀ value of 72.47 µg/mL. The HC-AgNPs showed substantial anticancer effects against A549 lung cancer cell lines, with an effective IC₅₀ value of 73.56 µg/mL. Consequently, these synthesized HC-AgNPs hold promise as a versatile therapeutic agent against both cancerous cells and pathogenic microorganisms, thereby warranting consideration for widespread application in healthcare settings.