Akintayo G.O., Yekeen T.A. , Azeez M.A., Lateef A., Oladipo I.C., Asafa T.B., Badmus J.A., Ojo S.A., Abodunrin A.E., Gueguim-Kana E.B. & Beukes L.S.
Vol 2, Issue 1, Article number: 10 (Oct, 2021)
https://doi.org/10.48187/stnanomat.2021.2.008
Graphical Abstract
Abstract
Nanoparticles have been proven to have a wide range of applications due to their peculiar properties. Of the metallic nanoparticles, green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely used in various applications. This study evaluates the potentials of corn silk extract in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (CS-AgNPs). The biological activities are tested through various applications as well as their safety. Powdered corn silk (1g) was heated in 100 ml of distilled water at 60°C for 1h, cooled, and centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 30 minutes. Then, 1ml of the extract was added to 40ml of 1mM AgNO3 to reduce Ag+ to nano size. Characterization of CS-AgNPs was through UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The efficacy of CS-AgNPs as a larvicidal, anticoagulant, thrombolytic, and antioxidant agent was evaluated. Safety evaluation was carried out using Allium cepa assay where 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, 10.0, and 100.0 μg/ml of the CS-AgNPs, and Ag-salt, as well as CS-extract were used. Twenty (20) onions were exposed per concentration while distilled water was used as diluent and control. Data was analysed through Analysis of variance and Duncan tests. The CS-AgNPs was dark brown with surface Plasmon resonance at 436 nm. FTIR revealed the availability of biomolecules responsible for capping and stabilizing agents. TEM revealed a size range of 8.48-45.78 nm. The CS-AgNPs caused 100% mortality of exposed Anopheles mosquito larvae in 12 h, and showed a good anticoagulant and thrombolytic potential on human blood for the prevention of blood clots. Antioxidant activity using DPPH and H2O2 scavenging assays revealed the potentials of CS-AgNPs in absorbing and neutralizing free radicals. The synthesized CS-AgNPs and Ag-salt solution induced more chromosomal aberrations at 24 and 48h and only Ag-salt solution induced more aberrant cells at 72 h. Root growth inhibition observed correlate with the observed mitotic inhibition at higher concentrations especially for CS-AgNPS Mitodepressant potentials especially at higher concentrations can be explored as an anticancer agent along with other established potentials