Phytofabricated Silver Nanoparticles from Origanum majorana: Anti-Pathogenic Activity and Biocompatibility Evaluation

Phytofabrication of nanoparticles is an exciting area to explore, with a broad range of utilization. In the current research, phytofabrication of silver nanoparticles from Origanum majorana leaf extract and its efficacy were tested through dye degradation, antibacterial activity, and hemolytic assay. Microwave-assisted extraction from leaves of Origanum majorana was enhanced through response surface methodology (RSM). Single-factor optimization was utilized to first achieve optimum methanol concentration, extraction time, and microwave power, followed by maximizing the three responses of RSM. At a methanol concentration of 95% using a microwave power of 700W for a 90s extraction time, the optimal values of response variables were observed. GC-MS method confirmed the presence of phytochemicals. Phytofabrication of silver nanoparticles was optimized, and stable AgNPs were obtained at 4 mM AgNO₃, pH 8, temperature 60 °C, and 60 min. Physicochemical characterization of PF-AgNPs was done, which revealed its high stability, and also DFT analysis at the B3LYP/LANL2DZ level was used to investigate spectroscopic properties. The synthesized PF-AgNPs exhibited potential antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and also showed less than 5% hemolytic activity. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were also examined by in silico molecular docking interactions with target proteins. So, the present study highlights that PF-AgNPs can have a crucial influence on antipathogenic as well as therapeutic applications as compared to the crude phytochemical extract of origanum majorana. In addition to this, the synthesized PF-AgNPs are non-toxic, non-damaging, and safe for living system which proves that the synthesized PF-AgNPs are biocompatible in nature.