Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Musca domestica extract as a novel bioresource for therapeutic evaluation

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using biological resources offers a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical methods. While plants and microbes are commonly employed, insect-derived biomaterials remain largely unexplored. This study investigates Musca domestica L. (houseflies) extract as a novel bioresource for rapid, chemical-free biosynthesis of Ag-NPs, transforming an underutilized organism into a value-added scientific resource.

Ag-NP formation was initially indicated by a visible color change and confirmed via UV-Vis spectroscopy, revealing a surface plasmon resonance peak at 475 nm. SEM analysis showed predominantly spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 76 ± 6 nm, while XRD confirmed a face-centered cubic crystalline structure with a crystallite size of 9.72 nm. FTIR analysis identified functional groups associated with proteins, phenolics, and other biomolecules, supporting nanoparticle formation and stabilization. Dynamic light scattering indicated a hydrodynamic size of 258.5 nm (PDI = 0.371), and zeta potential (- 7.98 mV) suggested moderate colloidal stability. In vitro assays demonstrated that the Ag-NPs exhibited notable anti-inflammatory (21.73%), anti-diabetic (36.76%), and antioxidant activity (DPPH: 78.5%; H₂O₂: 74.94%), with slightly higher performance than AgNO₃ and extract controls (p < 0.05, ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test).

This study establishes Musca domestica L. extract as an effective, eco-friendly bioresource for rapid green synthesis of Ag-NPs. The enhanced bioactivity of the biogenic nanoparticles underscores the importance of nanoparticle formulation in therapeutic applications. Future investigations focusing on dose-response, mechanistic insights, and cytotoxicity evaluations are warranted to fully realize their biomedical potential.