Green synthesized silver nanoparticles using Nelumbonucifera root extract for efficient protein binding, antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with a mean particle size of ∼ 16.7 nm were synthesized using an eco-friendly reducing material, aqueous Nelumbo nucifera root extract. Rapid reduction resulted in the formation of polydispersed nanoparticles. The formation of AgNPs was characterized by surface plasmon resonance, which was determined by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy (band at 412 nm), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The interaction of the green synthesized AgNPs with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) at various temperatures was investigated. Fluorescence quenching, synchronous and resonance light scattering spectroscopy along with UV-Vis absorption studies revealed the efficient binding between BSA and the AgNPs. In addition, the AgNPs exhibited moderate antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities against HeLa cell lines.