Green synthesis of multifunctional silver nanoparticles using quercetin and their therapeutic potential

Objective(s): Active species used in bio-chemical for synthesizing nanoparticles is poly phenolic compounds. The ability of flavonoids (e.g. quercetin) to dissolve in water is low and the production of metallic nanoparticles from them in the aqueous medium is hard. Previous studies recommend that quercetin was not capable of reducing Ag+ to Ag0. The current research aimed at synthesizing quercetin-mediated silver nanoparticles (Q-AgNPs) and evaluate the antioxidant and anticancer activities of Q-AgNPs in vitro. Methods: The green synthesis of Q-AgNPs in an aqueous medium has been demonstrated. The resultant nanoparticles were characterized by several analytical techniques of spectroscopy along with modern imaging instruments. The improved radical-neutralizing activity of the Q-AgNPs (Nitric oxide and DPPH) and its ability to chelate iron ions was determined by the colorimetric method. Possible medical applications, including anti-fungal and anti-cancer activities of these nanoparticles, have been assessed. Results: The nitric oxide and DPPH tests of Q-AgNPs was found to be (IC50=46.47±1.79 and 30.64±3.18μg/mL, respectively). Q-AgNPs exhibited better iron chelating activity than standard EDTA (IC50=3.12 ±0.44μg/mL). Significant anti-cancer potency of Q-AgNPs (IC50=57.42μg/mL) was discovered against HepG2 cell lines after 24-hour exposure. Furthermore, the toxic effects of these nanoparticles (MIC = 4, 8 and 64μg/mL) were determined on Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis and Aspergillus fumigatus, respectively. Conclusions: The present method is a competitive option to produce multifunctional nano-scale hybrid materials with higher efficiency and using natural sources for diverse biomedical requests.