Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Activities of Ag-Au Nanoparticles Using Heliotropium eichwaldiL. Extract as a Reducing and Stabilizing Agent

Green nanotechnology has gained significant attention recently in a variety of industries. Its focus is on producing nanoparticles (NPs) of a small size. It is also less harmful to human health and the environment. In Pakistan, Heliotropium eichwaldi(HE), a herbaceous plant, is extensively found. Many therapeutic qualities have been reported for the genus Heliotropium. The herb has been traditionally used to treat ulcers, headaches, and earaches. The purpose of this work is to create a simple and reliable process for the synthesis of Ag/Au bimetallic NPs (Ag-Au NPs) using HE extracts. After that, the effects of Ag-Au NPs will be examined, including their ability to scavenge free radicals and inhibit the two enzymes, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and alpha-amylase (α-amylase). The Ag-Au NPs were characterized using FT-IR, XRD, EDX, SEM, and UV–visible spectroscopy. The Ag, Au, and Ag-Au bimetallic NPs underwent XRD analysis, which showed a face-centered cubic crystal structure with an average size of 6 nm. Ag-Au NPs exhibit rod-shaped morphologies, according to SEM. Of the Ag-Au NPs, the elemental Ag signal was 4.20% and the elemental Au signal was 26.65%. The Ag-Au NPs showed remarkable inhibitory activity against AChE, α-amylase, and free radicals. According to our research, Ag-Au NPs can be successfully generated and go on to become important antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-Alzheimer agent compounds. Nonetheless, more research is advised to reduce any possible hazards.