Phytogenic Silver and Copper Nanoparticles from Morus nigra L. Leaf as Multifunctional Agents: Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Potency

Driven by the increasing pursuit of eco-friendly and multifunctional nanomaterials, this study explores the eco-conscious production, detailed analysis, and cooperative antibacterial efficacy of silver (YAgNPs) and copper nanoparticles (YCuNPs) synthesized using Morus nigra leaf extract under alkaline aqueous conditions. The nanoparticles produced through biogenic methods showed unique physical and chemical features, as validated via FTIR, XRD, TEM, and EDX instrumentation, suggesting effective reduction and stabilization facilitated by plant-derived compounds. YAgNPs and YCuNPs synthesized in this study demonstrated markedly enhanced antioxidant capacities and significant α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition, highlighting their prospective role in diabetes management. Antimicrobial assays showed superior activity of YAgNPs in solution-phase assays, whereas YCuNPs showed stronger inhibition in solid diffusion-based setups. Notably, lower MIC and MBC concentrations were observed for YAgNPs across multiple Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, including E. coli and S. aureus. The checkerboard assay demonstrated potent synergistic effects between both NPs and traditional antibiotics against clinically relevant pathogens. FICI values confirmed full synergy in several combinations, demonstrating their ability to potentiate antibiotic effects through membrane permeability enhancement and interference with bacterial resistance mechanisms. YAgNPs also showed notable cytotoxic effects against cancer cells against HeLa and HCT116 cell lines, with IC₅₀ values significantly lower, highlighting their oncological promise. Overall, the study emphasizes the diverse therapeutic applications of green-synthesized nanoparticles and suggests their potential use in cancer treatment and as enhancers for antimicrobial drugs.