Bio-inspired Synthesis, Characterization, and Biomedical Applications of Optimized Ceiba pentandra Silver Nanoparticles.

Green nanotechnology can provide new avenues for drug and insecticide discovery. This study aimed at synthesizing and evaluating the potential of silver nanoparticles, using an innovative plant-driven synthesis approach, with the potential to be used as an endectocide. Optimized silver nanoparticles using Ceiba pentandra (CP-AgNPs) were evaluated for their hemotoxic and killing activities against the deadliest malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and three mosquito species (Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles stephensi, and Aedes aegypti) of medical importance. Optimized CP-AgNPs were predominantly spheroidal, stable, polycrystalline, and coated with several phytochemical compounds, including terpenoids, alkaloids, and phenols. CP-AgNPs exhibited good hemocompatibility and high lethal activity on Pf 3D7 and RKL9 strains, with respective IC values of 9.71 µg/mL and 15.57 µg/mL. Likewise, LC values were < 20 µg/mL in the three mosquito species after 24-h exposure, and the CP-AgNPs were most toxic against An. stephensi (LC = 13.48 µg/mL). Green AgNPs could be an interesting tool for discovering and developing eco-friendly and effective antimalarial drugs and insecticides.