Green-synthesized flower-shaped silver nanoparticles as a colorimetric biosensor for protein quantification in preterm breast milk

This study utilized a biosensor developed through green synthesis employing flower-shaped starch-based nanostructures for the detection of protein in breast milk. The objectives included the green synthesis of flower-shaped nanoparticles using a colorimetric sensor approach to quantify the protein levels in breast milk. Cornstarch was used as a reducing agent to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The nanoparticles were characterized using several analytical techniques, including UV–visible spectrophotometry (UV–vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Raman Spectroscopy. The colorimetric detection involved observing the interactions between AgNPs and proteins under UV light stimulation at a wavelength of 280 nm. The reaction produced a visible color change, ranging from blue to purple, depending on the protein concentration. This method enabled the detection of protein levels in breast milk within the range of 3.4–21.77 g/L, demonstrating a high correlation value of 0.9847. This research highlights the potential of utilizing corn starch in green nanoparticle synthesis and emphasizes the application of AgNPs in developing sensitive biosensing platforms for breast milk protein detection. • The green synthesis of flower-shaped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using corn starch can be applied as a simple biosensor for the determination of protein content in breast milk. • The preparation process of flower-shaped silver nanoparticles by green process can produce silver particles with an average particle size of 37 nm and a production potential of 65 % by weight. • Colorimetric biosensor for accurate determination of net protein content in the range of 3.4 to 21.7 g/L, demonstrating a high correlation value of 0.98.