Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Chromolaena odorata leaf extract: Characterization, antibacterial activity, and anticancer efficacy against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line

This study reports an eco-friendly approach for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata . The plant extract served as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent for nanoparticle formation. The synthesis was confirmed by visual colour change and UV–visible spectroscopy, while FTIR, SEM, and EDX analyses validated functional group involvement, morphology, and elemental composition. The synthesized AgNPs were predominantly spherical with sizes ranging from 13 to 21 nm. Antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition. Cytotoxicity evaluation against MCF-7 breast cancer cells using the MTT assay revealed an IC₅₀ value of 193 μg/mL. The results highlight the potential of C. odorata -mediated AgNPs as cost-effective antibacterial and anticancer agents. However, further studies involving advanced structural characterization and normal cell line assessments are required to establish their biomedical safety and translational applicability.