Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and chitosan-coated silver nanoparticles (CS-AgNPs) using Ferula gummosa Boiss. gum extract: A green nano drug for potential applications in medicine

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and chitosan-coated silver nanoparticles (CS-AgNPs) were synthesized in a green way using Ferula gummosa Boiss. gum extract. The as-prepared NPs were employed as efficient nanomaterials for developing antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer agents. The AgNPs and the CS-AgNPs were characterized using TEM, EDX, FESEM, UV-Vis, XRD, DLS, and FTIR. The UV-Vis spectra showed the surface plasmon resonance for the AgNPs in the visible range around 420 nm. Also, the TEM images indicated particle sizes ranging from 2 to 20 nm and 5-50 nm for the AgNPs and the CS-AgNPs, respectively. Cytotoxicity of the AgNPs and the CS-AgNPs was assessed through MTT and hemolysis assays on normal and cancer cell lines. The AgNPs and the CS-AgNPs demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. The antioxidant assays revealed substantial free radical scavenging activity, with CS-AgNPs exhibiting superior antioxidant properties. In addition, the hemolysis assay illustrated low hemolytic activity for the AgNPs and CS-AgNPs. Moreover, the MTT assay demonstrated a significant cytotoxic effect for the AgNPs and the CS-AgNPs on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. These results provide an effective strategy to prepare the biosynthesized AgNPs and the CS-AgNPs for future pharmaceutical applications.