Aloe Vera gel extract and sunlight mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles with highly effective antibacterial and anticancer activity

Abstract

In this study, a single-step method for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using<br />Aloe Vera gel extract and sunlight was investigated. The Aloe Vera gel extract<br />is composed of pectins, lignin, and hemicellulose, which can be used in the<br />reduction of silver ions to produce colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-AV). The<br />preliminary preparation of silver nanoparticles was observed by an immediate<br />color change to brown. The prepared silver nanoparticles were characterized<br />by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,<br />dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential measurements. Additionally, the<br />cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of AgNPs-AV was tested. Results indicated<br />the formation of stable spherical 90±40nm with a strong absorption peak appears<br />between 400 and 500 nm. 28.7 ±0.781% of breast cancer cells survived after<br />incubation with AgNPs-AV invitro for 72 hrs. In addition to AgNPs-AV inhibited<br />the growth of the most important human skin pathogens (candida albicans,<br />Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus). The largest inhibition<br />zone was observed for candida albicans. This method for synthesis is very fast,<br />produces spherical colloidal silver nanoparticles having an excellent antioxidant<br />activity, high anticancer therapeutic index and very promising antibacterial<br />activity. This greenly synthesized nano-formulation has a great potential to be<br />explored in many different aspects.