Aster-derived biogenic silver nanoparticles for multifaceted study on antioxidant, para-nitrophenol catalysis, cytotoxicity, and in silico molecular docking evaluation

Advancements in nanotechnology have expanded its prospects as a promising avenue for addressing concerns over environmental remediation, sustainability, and industrial waste management through the development of metal-based nanoparticles. This study reports the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using four varieties of Aster flowers (white, pink, lavender, and violet) and their potential for antioxidants, catalytic, cytotoxic, and in silico molecular docking activities. The UV–Vis spectral analysis confirmed successful AgNP formation under optimal conditions of 90 °C for 30 min. Comprehensive characterization of A_Whi_AgNPs using scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis confirmed crystalline face-centered cubic structures, spherical morphology and 61.0% Ag. Catalytic degradation of p-nitrophenol demonstrated concentration-dependent catalytic activity; complete degradation within 25 min for 10 µL of 4000 ppm AgNPs and instantaneous degradation with 50 µL, with A_Vio_AgNP achieving the highest rate constant ( k = 0.4346 min⁻ 1 ). The AgNPs showed high Artemia salina viability at 200 ppm and 800 ppm, whereas zebrafish embryo exposure revealed model- and exposure-time-dependent toxicity. In silico molecular docking studies revealed a stable interaction with the Ag 3 cluster and amino acid residues in the epidermal growth factor receptor (PDB: 1M17), yielding the highest binding energy (-1.24 kcal/mol). These findings indicate that Aster -derived AgNPs possess multifaceted properties and strong catalytic activity, with effective applicability in bioremediation and industrial wastewater treatment.