Green Synthesis, Characterization and Biocompatibility Study of Quercetin-Functionalized Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) occupy a major part in biomedicine due to their unique physicochemical and biological properties including anti-microbial and anti-cancer activity. Evolvulus alsinoides (EA), commonly known as "Dwarf morning glory", is a flowering plant with unique medicinal properties. This plant is reported for its therapeutic significance in chronic bronchitis, asthma and even possesses higher pharmacological properties. In this study, we have reported the synthesis and biological properties of quercetin functionalized biogenic silver nanoparticles (Qur-EA-AgNPs). AgNPs were synthesized using EA Leaf extract and functionalized with Quercetin. Qur-EA-AgNPs were characterized using various techniques and their biocompatibility was investigated. The UV-Visible spectrum of EA-AgNPs revealed a maximum absorbance at 428 nm and quercetin functionalization results in a shift towards 390 nm. The intense peak in the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra revealed the quercetin functionalization on EA-AgNPs. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) results confirmed the spherical morphology of quercetin-functionalized AgNPs with a size range around 20 nm which was further confirmed by High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrum evidenced the presence of Ag, C and O. Hemocompatibility of Qur-EA-AgNPs was confirmed from hemolytic assay showing < 5% hemolysis. Moreover, Annexin V PI assay on Qur-EA-AgNPs treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) showed 78.58 % viability significantly which is comparable with the control cells and its biocompatible nature was proved. In the current study, quercetin-functionalized biogenic silver nanoparticles using E. alsinoides leaf extract have been fabricated and characterized using various techniques. TEM micrograph of functionalized nanoparticles revealed spherical-shaped particles. EDX analysis showed a major elemental composition of silver, carbon and oxygen. The particles are biocompatible towards PBMCs and the erythrocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]