Biosynthesis, characterization, and antidiabetic study of bimetallic copper–silver nanoparticles from Mangifera indica leaf extract
摘要
Nanoparticles (NPs) have become essential in various scientific fields due to their diverse applications. The green approach, which emphasizes eco-friendly and cost-effective methods, has been reported to be effective for successfully synthesizing NPs. This research focused on the development of an easy and eco-friendly approach for synthesizing bimetallic copper-silver nanoparticles (Cu–AgNPs) using readily available medicinal plant leaves from Mangifera indica (M. indica) and evaluating their antidiabetic activities. Fresh M. indica leaves were collected, rinsed, air-dried, pulverized, and subjected to cold extraction using water as the solvent to obtain the M. indica leaf extract, which was then mixed with the metal precursors to form the biosynthesized Cu–AgNPs. The phytochemicals in the leaf extract were studied. The formation of Cu–AgNPs was monitored and confirmed by UV-vis absorption, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The antidiabetic activity of the synthesized Cu–AgNPs was evaluated using the standard α-glucosidase and α-amylase assays that do not involve the use of animals. The phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, anthraquinones, tannins, and flavonoids in M. indica leaf extract. The UV–vis analysis confirmed absorption peaks at 415 nm and 590 nm for biosynthesized AgNPs and CuNPs, respectively, thus confirming the synthesis of Cu–AgNPs. The FTIR analysis revealed that phytochemicals containing–O–H,–C–H,–C–N, and–C = C– functional groups were present in the leaf extract. These phytochemicals are responsible for capping and stabilizing the metal ions. The TEM analysis confirmed that the synthesized Cu–AgNPs are spherical, while the XRD analysis indicated that the formed Cu–AgNPs are crystalline, with a calculated average crystalline size of 33.1 nm. The biosynthesized Cu–AgNPs displayed good antidiabetic activities against α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes at all tested concentrations. Also, the percentage inhibition increases with an increase in concentration. The antidiabetic activities of the biosynthesized Cu–AgNPs against α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes compete well with the standard “acarbose” when compared. The IC50 values of M. indica leaf extract, biosynthesized Cu–NPs, and Acarbose were 5.57, 2.33, and 0.74 against the α-glucosidase and 128.74, 46.16, and 28.40 against the α-amylase. At 100 µg/mL, the biosynthesized Cu–AgNPs inhibited α-glucosidase by 76% and α-amylase by 72%. These findings revealed that the biosynthesized Cu–AgNPs could serve as a potential remedy to combat diabetes. This study was centered on the biosynthesis of bimetallic NPs Cu–Ag using M. indica leaf extract and recording their potential antidiabetic activities.