Phytogenic synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles from Crataegus songarica aqueous extract for comprehensive biological evaluation

The need for sustainable synthesis of bioactive silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has driven interest in plant-mediated nanotechnology. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the aqueous extract of Crataegus songarica K. Koch was investigated in this study. To determine the formation, size, surface morphology, and composition of the synthesized AgNPs, various techniques were used, such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and DLS, to validate the formation of AgNPs. A typical absorption peak (447 nm) in the UV-Vis spectrum indicated the formation of spherical AgNPs, and FTIR analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds in the reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles (NPs). XRD was used to determine that the crystallite size was 28.01 nm on average to ensure that the AgNPs were crystalline. SEM images showed clearly defined rounded particles with a size ranging from 20 to 60 nm, and EDX analysis revealed the presence of metallic silver. The produced AgNPs exhibited high biological activity, as demonstrated by their strong antibacterial effect against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, with the largest linear fungal growth inhibition observed against Staphylococcus epidermidis. In addition, AgNPs were effective as antifungal agents against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger and as dose-dependent anticancer agents against HepG2 cancer cells. As demonstrated in their antioxidant tests, the DPPH and FRAP assays showed good radical scavenging and ferric ion reduction potentials, which are similar to those of ascorbic acid. This study demonstrates that AgNPs mediated by C. songarica are a promising bioactive product that is safe for use in biomedical research and has potential in antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant therapies.