Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using a Traditional Phytoproduct, Asafoetida Gum.

PURPOSE

The present study synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous extract of a traditional medicinal product consisting of an oleoresin (a combination of macromolecules of carbohydrates and proteins) exuded from the rhizome of the plant (asafoetida gum) and evaluated its biological properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The silver nanoparticles synthesized using asafoetida gum (As-AgNPs) were characterized using UV/Vis spectroscopy, fourier infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and EADX. The cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity As-AgNPs were evaluated against MCF-7 cell lines and selected microbial pathogens, respectively.

RESULTS

The synthesized silver nanoparticles were crystalline in nature with a spherical shape. The average particle size was 5.6-8.6 nm. The cytotoxicity of the synthesized As-AgNPs was evaluated against MCF-7 cell lines, and the As-AgNPs were found to be effective in inhibiting the multiplication of cancer cells. The As-AgNPs exhibited significant antimicrobial activity towards and . The MIC of the synthesized As-AgNPs was 7.80 μg/mL for ATCC 25922, sp. WS50- and ; 15.60 μg/mL for and WS10, and 31.20 μg/mL for and ATCC 43300-MRSA. In addition, MIC values of 15.60 μg/mL for ATCC8436 and 31.20 μg/mL for ATCC6258 were obtained.

CONCLUSION

As asafoetida is a good traditional medicine, its involvement in the synthesis of AgNPs led the silver nanoparticles to exhibit good cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects.