Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf extract and its cytotoxicity assay

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) and cytotoxicity was performed. The characteristic UV-Vis. absorption maximum of the material was found at 426 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis ensures the presence of elemental silver. The X-ray diffraction confirms the formation of a face-centered cubic crystal lattice of silver. The transmission electron microscopy along with XRD revealed the nano-dimension of the material (similar to 24 nm). The Fourier transform infrared analysis depicted the secondary structure of proteins and amino acids in the leaf extract as responsible factors for the reduction of Ag+ to form biomolecules encapsulated stable AgNPs. The results of the cell viability study showed that HSAgNPs didn't bring out any cytotoxicity in PC12 cells until 10 ppm for 48 h of incubation of the nanoparticles, which was further confirmed by the lactate dehydrogenase assay. Thereby, this study may encourage the low-cost production of green-AgNPs and their safe usages.

Automated summary

In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using a green method from Hibiscus sabdariffa and their cytotoxicity was evaluated. The results showed that proteins and amino acids in the leaf extract played a crucial role in reducing Ag+ and forming stable biomolecules encapsulated AgNPs. Cell viability study demonstrated that HSAgNPs had no cytotoxicity towards PC12 cells at a certain concentration, suggesting the safe usage of these green nanoparticles.