Facile synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Euphorbia antiquorum L. latex extract and evaluation of their biomedical perspectives as anticancer agents

This study reveals the rapid biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (EAAgNPs) using aqueous latex extract of Euphorbia antiquorum L as a potential bioreductant. Synthesized EAAgNPs generate the surface plasmonic resonance peak at 438 nm in UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Size and shape of EAAgNPs were further characterized through transmission electron microscope (TEM) which shows well-dispersed spherical nanoparticles with size ranging from 10 to 50 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analysis (EDAX) confirms the presence of silver (Ag) as the major constituent element. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of EAAgNPs corresponding to (1 1 1), (2 0 0), (2 2 0) and (3 1 1) planes, reveals that the generated nanoparticles were face centered cubic crystalline in nature. Interestingly, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis shows the major role of active phenolic constituents in reduction and stabilization of EAAgNPs. Phyto-fabricated EAAgNPs exhibits significant antimicrobial and larvicidal activity against bacterial human pathogens as well as disease transmitting blood sucking parasites such as Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti (IIIrd instar larvae). On the other hand, in vitro cytotoxicity assessment of bioformulated EAAgNPs has shown potential anticancer activity against human cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa). The preliminary biochemical (MTT assay) and microscopic studies depict that the synthesized EAAgNPs at minimal dosage (IC50 = 28 μg) triggers cellular toxicity response. Hence, the EAAgNPs can be considered as an environmentally benign and non-toxic nanobiomaterial for biomedical applications.