Nigella arvensis leaf extract mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: Their characteristic properties and biological efficacy

In the present study, the potential of aqueous leaf extract of Nigella arevensis for biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was evaluated. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by color changes and UV-visible spectroscopy, which showed absorbance maxima peak at 416 nm. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) image showed the AgNPs to be anisotropic and mostly spherical with sizes in the range of 5-100 nm. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis indicated that the flavonoids, alkaloids and phenolic groups present in leaf extract were involved in the reduction and capping of phytogenic AgNPs. These nanoparticles showed the cytotoxic effects against H1229 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines with an IC50 value of 10 mu g/mL. AgNPs showed insignificant antioxidant properties compared to the crude extract, and it was effective against clinical isolated bacterial strains. Furthermore, the bioderived AgNPs displayed significant catalytic activity against methylene blue. These results confirmed the advantages and applications of these phytogenic AgNPs using the green method in various fields. (C) 2017 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.