Green synthesis of silver sulfide quantum dots using tarragon and evaluation of cytotoxic effect on HFF2 cells

Due to their special features, quantum dots have recently attracted the attention of researchers in the fields of imaging, drug delivery, and cancer treatment. In this study, we prepared Ag₂S quantum dots (QDs) intending to control the nucleus growth and reduce toxicity in Artemisia dracunculus (tarragon) extract substrate using the green synthesis method. Synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed using different characterization techniques. The DLS data analysis showed that Ag₂S QDs prepared by the green synthesis method have a mean size of 56 nm, which is smaller compared to chemical synthesis. Additionally, the synthesis of Ag₂S QDs with tarragon extract decreased the zeta potential from - 13 eV to -21 eV, which can be effective in enhancing colloidal stability and increasing their presence in the bloodstream. Examining the hemolysis data showed that the synthesis of Ag₂S QDs with tarragon extract significantly reduces the lysis of red blood cells by modifying the surface chemistry. The cell culture data also confirmed the results of hemolysis, indicating increased cell viability with Ag₂S QDs tarragon. These results indicated that the use of tarragon extract as a green synthesis material contributes to the biocompatibility and safety of Ag₂S QDs.