Biogenic Synthesis of Ag Nanoparticles of 18.27 nm by Zanthozylum armatum and Determination of Biological Potentials

Comparison of the bioactive components and antioxidant activities of wild-type Zanthoxylum nitidum roots from various regions of Southern China

Zanthoxylum nitidum is a traditional Chinese herb, but limited information is available concerning its antioxidant activity of Z. nitidum. In this study, the bioactive components, content, and antioxidant activity of Z. nitidum roots from various regions in southern China were detected and evaluated. The results revealed that the highest nitidine chloride content found in S13. The S1 contained significantly higher concentrations of hesperidin, total flavonoids, and total phenols than other samples. The samples from S13, S1, and S12 had the strongest comprehensive antioxidant activity. Stoichiometric analysis revealed that samples from various regions were effectively identified and classified. This is the first study to investigate the antioxidant activity of wild-type Z. nitidum in southern China. It lays the groundwork for Z. nitidum harvesting, origin identification, sensible use, as well as the quality evaluation of Z. nitidum resources, particularly in vitro antioxidant activity assessment.

Green synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles using stem extract of Zanthoxylum armatum

In this study, we report the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Zanthoxylum armatum stem extract. The characteristic absorption at 385 nm suggested synthesis of AgNPs which was further confirmed by SEM, with a size in the range of 46.66 nm to 60.12 nm and a spherical shape, having an FCC structure, analyzed by XRD. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of phenol and secondary alcohol groups over the AgNPS. The elemental composition was further investigated by FESEM-EDX analysis which revealed the presence of silver in the synthesis nanoparticles. The synthesized silver nanoparticles exhibited antimicrobial activity against tested microorganisms with a zone of inhibition of 21 mm for Staphylococcus aureus, 17 mm for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 18 mm for Salmonella enteric, and 18 mm for Escherichia coli. Overall, the results showed that the green silver nanoparticles could be safe, as they are capable of potential antimicrobial activity against S. aureus.

Biogenic Synthesis of AgNPs Using Aqueous Bark Extract of Aesculus indica for Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Applications

Nanotechnology has received a lot of attention from the scientific community because of the greater surface-to-volume ratio of nanomaterials, which phenomenally increases their efficacy in practical applications. Among the various synthesis techniques, the biogenic or green synthesis of nanomaterials shows advantages over other techniques such as physical, chemical, etc. This study reports the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous bark extract of Aesculus indica. The as-synthesized NPs were characterized by UV–visible, FT-IR, XRD, and SEM, and then tested for their antioxidant and antimicrobial potency. We have identified phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and carbohydrates in the bark extract of A. indica. The extract-loaded-AgNPs showed the highest inhibition for Staphylococcus aureus (28.0 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.66 mm), Escherichia coli (14.33 mm), Acetobacter serratia (14.00 mm), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (12.33 mm). The methanolic bark extract inhibited S. aureus (24.33 mm), P. aeruginosa (10.66 mm), E. coli (11.33 mm), A. serratia (9.66 mm), and K. pneumoniae (11.66 mm). Aqueous bark extract inhibited S. aureus (22.33 mm), P. aeruginosa (8.33 mm), E. coli (9.33 mm), A. serratiaa (8.33 mm), and K. pneumoniae (9.66 mm). Its aqueous extract showed the highest antioxidant potency; IC50 (0.175 µg/mL) followed by the methanolic extract; IC50 (0.210 µg/mL) and extract-loaded nanoparticles; IC50 (0.901 µg/mL). Our findings provide meaningful interest for antioxidant, anti-microbial applications of, and AgNPs synthesis by, aqueous bark extract of A. indica.