Inhibition of restriction endonucleases by biofunctionalized silver nanoparticles: An in vitro study

Ecofriendly synthesis of metal nanoparticles and their unique properties hold promise for innovative therapeutic applications. In the present study, rapid, novel, low cost method for synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous leaves extract of medicinal plant Euphorbia heterophylla (E. heterophylla) is reported. AgNPs synthesized by plant extract exhibited absorption peak at 422 nm in UV-vis spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy micrographs revealed presence of AgNPs with average size of 13 nm with grain and triangular shapes. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis revealed role of leaves metabolites as reducing and capping agent in synthesis of AgNPs. X ray diffraction pattern and selected area electron diffraction study confirmed crystalline nature of AgNPs. Inhibition of DNA cutting activity of restriction endonucleases (EcoRI, HindIII and BamHI) by biofunctionalized AgNPs in agarose gel electrophoresis is first time reported in the present study. This potential of AgNPs can be useful for enhancing effectiveness of phage therapy by acting as synergistic cocktail with bacteriophages to kill bacteria via inhibition of their restriction endonucleases.