Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles: Evaluation of Their Biological and Catalytic Potential

The biogenic tailoring of silver nanoparticles using plant extract is becoming an attractive approach in the current scenario. Manilkara zapota (MZ) is well known for its antibacterial, hepato-protective, anti-inflammatory, anti-tussive, anti-fungal, anti-tumour, and free radical scavenging potential. Its plants extract is a rich source of secondary metabolites. Nowadays, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been advocated for a variety of biomedical applications. In present work, silver nanoparticles have been synthesized using an aqueous extract of MZ, physicochemically characterized and finally evaluated for antimicrobial effects, catalytic reduction/degradation of organic dyes and cytotoxicity. The nanosized AgNPs (~ 84 nm) were found to possess prominent antibacterial potential against gram positive and gram negative pathogens (MIC 50 μg/ml) in comparison to native plant extract. Moreover, these particles were found to be non-toxic and efficient eradicators of environmental toxicants via rapid catalytic reduction of toxic chemicals and dyes. Altogether, these results suggest promising potential of these nanoparticles that can be used as multifunctional agents for future biomedical applications.