Instantaneous phytosynthesis of gold nanoparticles via Persicaria salicifolia leaf extract, and their medical applications

In the current investigation, an instantaneous, single step, cost-effective, and environmentally safe biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using the aqueous extract of P. salicifolia leaves is reported for the first time. P. salicifolia-AuNPs were characterized via several techniques including UV-Visible spectroscopy, Zeta potential, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) attached to SEM, High-resolution Transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED), EDX elemental mapping and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Results demonstrated the formation of violet-colored, mostly spherical-shaped AuNPs with a diameter between 5 and 23 nm and a plasmon peak at 535 nm indicated the successful phytosynthesis of AuNPs using the aqueous extract of the investigated species. The cytotoxicity investigation of the phytosynthesized AuNPs using Sulphorhodamine-B (SRB) assay reflected superb cell capability in inhibiting the growth and proliferation of human breast cancer cells (MCF7 cell line) with IC50 2.24 mu g/mL. Additionally, P. salicifolia-AuNPs were proved to be a potent antioxidant. These results offer a promising route of AuNPs synthesis using the extract of P. salicifolia. (C) 2021 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study reports the environmentally safe biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using the aqueous extract of P. salicifolia leaves for the first time, demonstrating potential applications in cancer treatment and antioxidant properties. Characterization of the synthesized AuNPs through various techniques showed the successful green synthesis and promising cytotoxic and antioxidant activities.