Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) and its In-vitro Antioxidant Activity Using Urginea maritima Bulb Extract

This study pioneers the eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using Urginea maritima bulb extract (UMBE), presenting a novel and sustainable alternative to traditional chemical synthesis methods. The research focuses on optimizing synthesis parameters—temperature, pH, and incubation time—to create nanoparticles that not only avoid the use of toxic chemicals but also enhance the antioxidant capabilities of the resulting Ag NPs significantly beyond those of the native bulb extract. Our findings demonstrate that the optimal synthesis conditions, specifically at 95 °C, pH 11, and an incubation time of 1 hour, not only facilitate a rapid synthesis process but also yield nanoparticles with potent antioxidant properties. These properties are markedly superior to those of the native extract, suggesting potential applications in combating oxidative stress-related diseases. In-depth characterization of the Ag NPs was conducted using a suite of techniques such as UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM). These analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of well-defined nanoparticles and elucidated their morphological, structural, and compositional attributes. This study not only highlights the dual functionality of UMBE as both a reducing and capping agent but also aligns with global sustainability goals by promoting safer, greener production practices in nanotechnology. The introduction of this novel synthesis approach could revolutionize the production of nanoparticles, making it more environmentally friendly and economically viable.