Exploring the potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Mallotus philippensis leaf extract: Unveiling characterization, antibacterial efficacy, and antioxidant capabilities in eco-friendly nanotechnology

Mallotus philippensis (MP) plant is known to contain an enormous number of secondary metabolites. The leaf extract of MP was used as a reducing and capping agent to synthesize biogenic MP Silver Nanoparticles (MP-Ag NPs). Different characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), were applied for the structural, morphological, and spectroscopic properties of MP-Ag NPs. The synthesized MP-Ag NPs were validated by UV–visible spectrophotometers, and the SPR band was observed at 440 nm. FTIR study shows functional groups in leaf powder and MP-Ag NPs. The XRD pattern shows Face-Centered Cubic crystallinity. The FE-SEM, HR-TEM, and EDS analysis showed a spherical distribution, elemental content, and an approximately round, isotropic shape with an average size of 39.30 nm. The characterization techniques indicate the formation of nanoparticles in a very stable form. The Ag NPs were utilized at different concentrations in antibacterial and antioxidant activity studies. Nanoparticles (MP-Ag NPs) were found to inhibit the growth of both phytopathogenic bacteria, Erwinia carotovora and Ralstonia solanacearum, with zones of inhibition of 18 mm and 17 mm at 1000 μg/mL, respectively . The impact of nanoparticles' inhibition was moderate compared to that of Chloramphenicol antibiotics. Nanoparticles were found to accelerate the formation of Reactive oxygen species (ROS). Whereas in the case of antioxidant assessment, the results were compared with those of the positive control using Ascorbic acid. The antioxidant activity of synthesized MP-Ag NPs showed 35% potential in the DPPH and 9% in the ABTS at 80 μg/mL, respectively. This research finding can be used to develop potent, fabricated NPs as antibacterial agents to combat plant diseases caused by phytopathogenic bacteria.