Green Biogenic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Extract of Moringa Oleifera: Access to a Powerful Antimicrobial, Anticancer, Pesticidal and Catalytic Agents

Abstract

In this study, we look into the biogenic synthesis of (AgNPs) utilizing a simple and environmentally friendly method based on an aqueous extract of Moringa Oleifera (MO). The synthesized MOAgNPs were characterized using a UV–Visible spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra and TEM image which confirmed the spherical shape of MOAgNPs with particle size range of 5–50 nm with an average particle size of 38.7 nm. Significantly, the prepared MOAgNPs showed high pesticidal activity towards Spodoptera littoralis. MOAgNPs also exhibited strong antibacterial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The prepared MOAgNPs were screened for their cytotoxic effect against (HCT-116), (HepG-2) and (MCF-7) carcinoma cell lines. Finally, the synthesized MOAgNPs have been used as a catalyst for the reduction of 2,4-Dinitrophenol using NaBH4 to 2,4-Diaminophenol. Taken together, the outstanding catalytic and biological activities of the synthesized MOAgNPs entitled them for applications as catalyst, pesticidal, antibacterial and anticancer agents in medical applications.