The eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Maranta leuconeura ethanolic extract with the assessment of antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer activities

Background. Considering the significant interest in the use of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) obtained from plant extracts. Purpose. The study is aimed to utilize the ethanolic extract of Maranta leuconeura as a reducing agent to form AgNPs, and evaluate its biological potential effect. Materials and methods. The plant was extracted using 70% ethanol to create silver nanoparticles.The synthesis of AgNPs was initially confirmed by surface plasmon resonance at 400 nm, facilitated by biologically active compounds that contributed to reduction, capping, and stabilization, as evidenced by FTIR analysis, while zeta potential analysis indicated good stability at -37.1 mV. The fabricated AgNPs microscopic study revealed spherical particles of average sizes 39.9 nm, whereas XRD analysis indicated a face-centred cubic (FCC) crystalline nature. Results and discussion.The antibacterial efficacy of AgNPs against tested isolates indicated that Staphylococcus epidermidisand Proteus mirabilisexhibited the highest sensitivity to silver nanoparticles, with an average inhibition zone measuring 14.4 mm. The results of the antioxidant activity demonstrated comparable radical scavenging to ascorbic acid, depending on the concentration. The evaluation of cytotoxicity against cancer SiHa cell line and normal HdFn cell line, revealed a concentration-dependent effect and potential anticancer impact, with an IC50of 17.49 and 125 μg/mlfor SiHa and HdFn respectively. Conclusion. Nanoparticles produced from Maranta leuconeuraleaf extract may be significant in medicinal applications owing to their distinctive features.