A Green Integrated Approach to Multifunctional Silver Nanoparticles Derived from Aronia melanocarpa

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> This study reports the green synthesis, optimization, characterization, and multifunctional evaluation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an ethanolic <i>Aronia melanocarpa</i> berry extract. The objective was to establish optimal synthesis conditions; assess the in vitro stability; and evaluate the antioxidant, photocatalytic, and photoprotective activities. <b>Methods</b>: The cytogenotoxic effects of the AgNPs were evaluated on <i>Triticum aestivum</i> roots. The AgNPs were synthesized via bioreduction using an ethanolic extract of <i>A. melanocarpa</i> under varied pH, AgNO₃ concentration, extract/AgNO₃ ratio, temperature, and stirring time, with optimization guided by UV-Vis spectral analysis. The AgNPs were further characterized by FTIR, DLS, TEM, and EDX. In vitro stability was evaluated over six months in different dispersion media (ultrapure water; 5% NaCl; and PBS at pH 6, 7, and 8). Biological assessments included antioxidant assays (lipoxygenase inhibition, DPPH radical scavenging, metal chelation, and hydroxyl radical scavenging), photocatalytic dye degradation, and SPF determination. <b>Results</b>: Optimal synthesis was achieved at pH 8, 3 mM AgNO₃, extract/AgNO₃ ratio of 1:9, 40 °C, and 240 min stirring. The AgNPs were spherical (TEM), well dispersed (PDI = 0.32), and highly stable (zeta potential = -40.71 mV). PBS pH 6 and 7 ensured the best long-term colloidal stability. The AgNPs displayed strong dose-dependent antioxidant activity, with superior lipoxygenase inhibition (EC₅₀ = 18.29 µg/mL) and the effective photocatalytic degradation of dyes under sunlight. Photoprotective properties were confirmed through UV absorption analysis. The AgNPs showed a strong antimitotic effect on wheat root cells. <b>Conclusions</b>: The study demonstrates that <i>A. melanocarpa</i>-mediated AgNPs are stable, biologically active, and suitable for potential biomedical, cosmetic, and environmental applications, reinforcing the relevance of plant-based nanotechnology.