Evaluate the toxicity of silver nanoparticles by chemical and green synthesis methods

Plant leaf extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis was used to make biological silver nanoparticles (Bio-AgNPs) and AgNO3 was used to make chemical silver nanoparticles (CH-AgNPs). The synthesis of nanoparticles was indicated by the appearance of CH-AgNPs (transparent colour change to brownish black) and Bio-AgNPs (pale yellow colour change to blackish brown). The synthesis of AgNPs was primary confirmed using UV–VIS absorption spectroscopy, with plasmon peak maximums at 425 nm and 419 nm for chemical and biological procedures, respectively. The average size (45.55 nm for CH-AgNPs and 25.65 nm for Bio-AgNPs) were determined by using Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), and they were uniformly dispersed with no apparent aggregation. Toxicity of nanoparticlas was evaluating by calculation the toxic effect value (TEV) of silver nanoparticles as in vitro against Bacillus subtilis. TEV against B. subtilis in CH-AgNPs was reported to be as high as 85.45 % and as low as 55.75 % in Bio-AgNPs. On the other hand, the in vivo toxicity was evaluated by using Drosophila melanogaster. The physiological characteristic (body melanization/pigmentation) was proved by the fact that, in contrast to Bio-AgNPs, CH-AgNPs are incredibly detrimental to insect reproductive traits. On the other hand, Bio-AgNPs synthesised at higher concentrations (50–100 %) are fully capable of removing the pigmentation from the thorax cuticles with some detrimental effects for insect reproductive traits if used for extended periods of time. Bio-AgNPs at lower concentrations (20–50 %) are able to remove the pigmentation from the thorax cuticles without harming for insect reproductive traits.