Eco-benign phytochemically-functionalized Ag-core Fe-shell bimetallic nanoparticles for targeted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drug delivery

The etiology of several degenerative diseases is linked to oxidative stress and inflammations. This study presents an eco-benign phytochemically-functionalized Ag-core Fe-shell (Ag@Fe) bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) for targeted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drug delivery. The NPs were synthesized, and modified with phytochemicals from the aqueous leaf extract of Costus lucanusianus; subsequently, characterized using advance microscopes and spectroscopes. Atomic force microscope revealed the grain size of 4.54 nm with the total projected area of 95.65% confirming the surface modification of the nanoparticles, and the energy dispersive spectroscope confirmed the strong presences of Ag and Fe. At 500 µg/mL, the NPs and ascorbic acid (standard) demonstrated similar (p < 0.05) antioxidant properties by reducing oxidative stress through the effective scavenging of hydroxyl, and hydrogen peroxide radicals. Similarly, at 500 µg/mL, the anti-inflammatory performance of the NPs, and acetyl salicylic acid (standard) through the inhibition of protein denaturation, heat-induced haemolysis, and scavenging of nitric oxide radicals as 52.90 ± 6.65 and 78.26 ± 4.35; 70.83 ± 2.90 and 82.52 ± 8.43; 56.93 ± 5.18 and 74.65 ± 2.43 respectively; were statistically (p < 0.05) similar; thus, revealing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potency of the NPs. The dual functionality of these nanoparticles highlights their potential for therapeutic applications, particularly in managing oxidative stress-related and inflammatory conditions.