Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Ferula persica extract (Fp-NPs): Characterization, antibacterial, antileishmanial, and in vitro anticancer activities

Abstract In recent years, the progress of green nanotechnology is interested scientists in the biosynthesis of particles in the nanoscale because of its uses in all fields of science. In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized from the extract of Ferula persica (Fp-NPs). Ag nanoparticles' eco-friendly synthesis was performed by optimizing four physicochemical parameters: concentration of AgNO3 and extract, incubation period, pH, and temperature. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was done to characterize the phenolic acid content of the extract. Chlorogenic acid was detected as an essential factor for reducing and capping of silver nanoparticles, which led to the stability. Characterization of Fp-NPs was done with SEM, TEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Fp-NPs were detected homogeneously spherical shape at the size of almost 15 nm. The cytotoxicity of NPs was investigated using two cell lines, MCF-7 (breast cancer) and AGS (human gastric carcinoma), with significant efficacy. Anticancer activity as IC50 value was observed 11.07 (AGS) and 21.28 (MCF-7) µg ml-1, respectively. Antimicrobial activities of Fp-NPs were evaluated against seven pathogenic bacteria. Nanoparticles (NPs) were able to inhibit the growth of all selected bacteria. Fp-NPs can inhibit P. aeruginosa strain at the concentration of 7.8 µg ml-1, the same as S. aureus and A. baumannii. Moreover, Fp-NPs were active against leishmania parasites. It was found that Fp-NPs could inhibit Leishmania parasites with the IC50 value of 23.14 µg ml-1 for promastigotes and the IC50 value of 26.43 µg ml-1 for amastigotes.