Tailored Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Polyphenolic and Flavonoid-rich Leaf Extract of Dryopteris cristata L. and Insights into its Antioxidant Potency

Biosynthesized nanoparticles are increasingly recognized for their potential due to the biologically active secondary metabolites in plants that facilitate green synthesis and offer unique biological applications. This study presents a simple, eco-friendly and cost-effective method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the aqueous leaf extract of Dryopteris cristata L., which serves as both a reducing and capping agent. Characterization through UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis.), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses confirmed the properties of the Dryopteris cristata-silver nanoparticles (Dc-AgNPs). Phytochemical analysis identified the compounds responsible for nanoparticle reduction and stabilization. Antioxidant activity was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays, revealing significant antioxidant potential. These Dc-AgNPs exhibit potential for use as antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative agents, making them valuable candidate for diverse therapeutic applications.