Green Synthesis of Apricot Kernel Silver Nanoparticles and Their Biological Activity

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit cytotoxicity in various cancer cells, as well as high conductivity, chemical stability, catalytic, and antibacterial activity. A range of biological sources, including plants, fungi, and bacteria, are utilized for the synthesis of silver, gold, and other nanoparticles. The aim of this study is to synthesize environmentally friendly and cost-effective AgNPs from apricot kernel methanol extract and to investigate their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The UV-vis spectra revealed a surface plasmon resonance peak at 420 nm, confirming the formation of apricot kernel silver nanoparticles. Additionally, FTIR spectra indicated the involvement of biological compounds in the synthesis of AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs inhibited the growth of both Gram- negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including E. aerogenes CCM 2531, B. subtilis IM 622, S. aureus 6538 P, S. aureus ATCC 29213, and L. monocytogenes NCTL 53448. Furthermore, AgNPs reduced the viability of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Based on these findings, it can be suggested that the environmentally friendly synthesized AgNPs exhibit multifunctional properties with potential applications against infectious bacterial strains and cancer.