Application of response surface methodology towards the development of a phenylethanoid-based silver nanoparticle with multifaceted biological properties

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most studied nanomaterials for their multifaceted nature. Among the different synthesis routes for AgNPs, green synthesis is preferred owing to its efficacy and eco-friendly nature. In most cases, biological agents and phytochemicals are used as reducing and capping agents, making the synthesis method cheaper. In this work, a one-pot synthesis of AgNPs was designed using verbascoside, a naturally occurring phenylethanoid glycoside, as the reducing agent. This synthesis procedure was successfully optimized with response surface methodology. Verbascoside-AgNPs (VbAgNPs) were found to be spherical upon characterization using FESEM. Surface plasmon resonance peaks were formed within the range of 415–462 nm. Dynamic light scattering studies showed that the average particle size was 48.8 nm; this was further confirmed using HR-TEM. The presence of elemental silver was proved using XRD, and the participating functional groups in the formation of the VbAgNPs were analyzed using FTIR. Nanoparticles were found to be stable over a period of one year. Biological studies confirmed that VbAgNPs were hemocompatible and exhibited potent antioxidant, antibacterial, and biofilm inhibitory activity. Further these nanoparticles showed promising wound healing potentials in scratch wound assay with no significant cytotoxic effects in RAW 264.7 cells. It also demonstrated angiogenic properties in a fertilized chicken egg 72 hours after administration. Therefore, this nanoparticle holds multifaceted promise as an antioxidant and antibacterial biomaterial with potential for wound healing.