Silver Nanoparticles Derived from <i>Artocarpus heterophyllus</i> for Antimicrobial Nano-gels:A Green Synthesis Approach

<i>Artocarpus heterophyllus</i>, commonly known as jackfruit, is widely valued for its nutritional benefits, with its leaf extract being studied for various medicinal properties. The synthesis of nanoparticles from <i>A. heterophyllus</i> leaf extract utilizes it natural bioactive compounds while addressing limitations like poor bioavailability, offering a greener and more efficient platform for medicinal delivery. This research aimed to enhance the eco-friendly production of silver nanoparticles (AH-AgNPs) from <i>A. heterophyllus</i> leaf extract using a Design of Experiments approach. The effects of varying concentrations of plant extract and silver nitrate on AH-AgNP size and entrapment efficiency were assessed through analysis of variance. Optimized AH-AgNPs were characterized using ultraviolet (UV)–visible (Vis) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, as well as SEM and TEM for determining size and shape. A Carbopol 940 gel incorporating AH-AgNP was formulated and evaluated for physicochemical properties and <i>in vitro</i> antimicrobial activity. The spherical AH-AgNPs measured 109.2 nm in size with a 90.15% entrapment efficiency, exhibiting broadspectrum antimicrobial properties. The resulting gel was light brown, free of lumps, with a uniform consistency, a nearly neutral pH (6.2 ± 0.2 to 7.1 ± 0.2), and a viscosity range of 2 884 cp to 3 047 cp. Notably, its efficacy against <i>E. coli</i> surpassed that of a commercial formulation containing 0.2% w/w silver nitrate, indicating potential for treating pathogenic infections.