Sustainable Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles via Zinnia Elegans Leaf Extract: A Nano Catalytic Approach in Catalysis Applications

The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has gained significant attention as an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to nanomaterial production. This method leverages biological resources, such as plant extracts, which serve as natural reducing and stabilizing agents. This study investigates the synthesis of AgNPs using five different varieties of Zinnia elegans leaves (yellow, pink, white, orange, and magenta), highlighting their promising applications in different fields by evaluating the photocatalytic, para-nitrophenol (PNP) catalytic, antibacterial, and cytotoxic qualities. Under optimum conditions, water extracts (WE) and silver nitrate (AgNO₃) were used to synthesize the AgNPs. Using UV-Visible spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), AgNPs were characterized. The results indicated that Magenta_AgNPs are spherical and 30–60 nm. In the presence of sunlight and the addition of sodium borohydride (NaBH₄), the photocatalytic impact of different concentrations of AgNP was assessed using methyl orange (MO). Upon addition of NaBH₄, 4000 ppm Magenta_AgNP demonstrated a rapid rate of degeneration. PNP degradation was used to assess the catalytic properties of AgNPs. All AgNP demonstrated PNP degradation, with Pink_AgNP exhibiting the highest degradation rate. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were used to determine the antibacterial activity of AgNPs and WEs; only AgNPs produced a zone of inhibition (ZOI). An AgNP cytotoxicity study was conducted with Artemia salina, which demonstrated 100% viability at concentrations of 800 ppm and 240 ppm. The findings highlight that AgNPs synthesized using Zinnia elegans hold considerable promise for advancing eco-friendly approaches in environmental remediation and antibacterial therapy, offering a platform for future applications.