Mass production of morin-stabilized silver nanoparticles: Characterization, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities

Phytochemical-conjugated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are believed to act as a bridge between nanotechnology and therapy. There is a significant need for green and mass production of such materials due to their extensive applications, especially in the biomedical sector. In this study, morin-stabilized silver nanoparticles (morin/AgNPs) were synthesized on a massive scale using a one-pot solid-state technique. The reaction is achieved by ball milling of morin and silver nitrate powders at ambient temperature without any solvent or toxic reagent. The prepared morin/AgNPs exhibited a semi-hexagonal shape and ranged in size from 21 to 43 nm. The x-ray diffraction results elucidated the formation of highly crystalline AgNPs. Fourier transform infrared and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analyses prove that the hydroxyl, carbonyl, and aromatic functionalities in morin are playing major roles in the reduction and stabilization of AgNPs. The antioxidant potential of morin/AgNPs was evaluated utilizing 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Morin/AgNPs exhibited better free radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 11.7 & mu;g/mL) than morin (IC50 = 14.8 & mu;g/mL). Furthermore, the synthesized AgNPs showed promising antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans. The largest inhibition zones were observed against S. aureus (21.2 & PLUSMN; 0.6 mm) and K. pneumonia (20.3 & PLUSMN; 0.5 mm) bacteria. The foregoing results highlighted the prospective application of morin/AgNPs as a promising antioxidant and antimicrobial material for safe medical applications.Research HighlightsA simple green route for the large-scale production of AgNPs was developed.Morin acts as reducing/stabilizing agent in solid-state synthesis of AgNPs.Morin/AgNPs exhibited promising antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. A facile one-pot solid phase pathway for large-scale production of AgNPs using morin as an eco-friendly reducing agent was developed. The proposed solvent-less reaction established a cost-effective pathway for preparing biologically active substances using environmentally benign chemicals. This pathway also avoided or reduced the release of toxicants to the environment.image

Automated summary

This study developed a simple green route for the large-scale production of AgNPs, synthesizing stable silver nanoparticles (morin/AgNPs) using a one-pot solid-state technique and a phytochemical morin as a reducing/stabilizing agent. The prepared morin/AgNPs exhibited promising antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The proposed solvent-less reaction established a cost-effective pathway for preparing biologically active substances using environmentally benign chemicals and reduced the release of toxicants to the environment.