Facile synthesis of Sarcochlamys pulcherrima mediated silver nanoparticles for antibacterial, antibiofilm, and network pharmacology evaluation

Green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) has transpired as aneconomical, efficient and environmentally friendlycompared to conventional methods. In this study, Sarcochlamys pulcherrima leaf extract was made to be used as a natural reducing and capping agent to fabricate silver nanoparticles (sp-AgNPs), which were further evaluated for antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. The sp-AgNPs were synthesized via two ways; Heating at 80 °C and Non-heating methodsto evaluate the particle size difference on the antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy.The sp-AgNPs were characterized using standard techniques ofUV-Vis spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The colour change pre and post synthesis and subsequent characteristic UV-Vis peaks confirmed successful nanoparticle formation. Zeta and SEM analyses of sp-AgNPs revealed average sizes of 37.6-45.1 nm for Heat and 44.7-53.9 nm for Non-heatwith spherical, needle-like morphology. EDX confirmed the presence of silver ionin sp-AgNPs. Antibacterial assays against B.subtilis, S.aureus, P.aeruginosa, and E.coli showed inhibitory zones with both synthesis methods. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Maximum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) for sp-AgNPs wereevaluated and antibiofilm activity performed.Superior biofilm inhibition of 67.51-83.14%was demonstrated by Non-heatingsynthesismethod compared to 50.93-73.76% reduction bythe heatmethod.Further, the Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) data and Network pharmacology identified key antibacterial phytoconstituents targeting immune and metabolic pathways like AKT1, STAT3, and CASP3. Overall, this study demonstrates a facile green synthesis of sp-AgNPs with potent antibacterial and antibiofilm potential which can be harnessed for future biomedical applications.