Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by root extract of Premna integrifolia L. and evaluation of its cytotoxic and antibacterial activity

An efficient, reproducible, and eco-friendly protocol has been developed for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using an aqueous root extract of Premna integrifolia (PE-AgNPs). The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by different techniques to determine their formation, stability, and morphology. Nanoparticles were tested for cytotoxicity against the HepG2 cancer cell line and antibacterial activity against clinical isolates of bacteria. The cytotoxic potential of PE-AgNPs was analyzed using MTT assay, Hoechst and AO/EtBr staining, ROS measurement, mitochondrial membrane potential, clonogenic, and wound healing assays. PE-AgNPs were found strongly cytotoxic against Hep G2 cell lines during all assays. A disc diffusion assay confirmed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa was most susceptible to PE-AgNPs than Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. It was further confirmed by MIC, MBC values, and TEM microphotographs. As a result, our findings indicate that biosynthesized silver nanoparticles could be useful as cytotoxic and antimicrobial candidates.