Silver nanoparticles derived from Viscum articulatum: a green approach to antioxidant, antibacterial, and sensing activities

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Viscum articulatum can be a new alternative to develop versatile nanomaterials with improved multifunctional bioactive applications. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was confirmed through UV–visible spectra, XRD, FTIR, FESEM, and EDX. A distinctive Ago Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) band at 413 nm confirmed the formation of AgNPs, while XRD and FESEM indicated spherical and cuboidal particles with an average diameter of 31.3167 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis estimated 79.35 wt% of silver content, and FTIR spectra further identified the functional group of the extract that contributed to the AgNP stabilization. The AgNPs demonstrate strong antioxidant potential in the DPPH assay, colorimetric mercury sensing, and significant antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative and positive bacterial strains, revealing a potent zone of inhibition (ZOI), 11 mm for Staphylococcus aureus, 10 mm for Bacillus subtilis, 12 mm for Klebsiella pneumoniae, and 11 mm for Escherichia coli. This research highlights V. articulatum based silver nanoparticles as a promising material for dual application in sensing and biomedical application.