Catalytic and biocidal activity of silver and gold nanoparticles obtained by green synthesis using aqueous extracts of glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum) dry fruits

BORDÓN, DANIELA L.; HERRERA, ELISA; LAURA GONZÁLEZ, M.; ROSSI, LAURA I.; AIMAR, MARIO L.; VÁZQUEZ, ANA M.; GRANADOS, ALEJANDRO M.

JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Año: 2024 vol. 415

0167-7322

Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have gained interest due to their practical applications in various areas. The synthesisof NPs from biomass proposes a simple, economical and environmentally friendly alternative. In this work,gold NPs (AuNPs) and silver NPs (AgNPs) were synthesized from aqueous extracts of dried Ligustrum lucidumfruits. The biomolecules of the extract, in addition to acting as a reducing agent, are absorbed on the surface ofthe NPs giving excellent colloidal stability, increasing their catalytic capacity reflected in their recyclability. TheTON and TOF values obtained for the reduction reaction of 4-nitrophenol in the presence of NaBH4, are 1.4 105and 500 s􀀀 1 respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were established for AgNPs using pathogensfrom certified collections (E. coli MIC = 25 μg/mL; S. aureus MIC = 100 μg/mL). Fractional inhibitoryconcentration indices (FICIs) in the presence of gentamicin showed synergistic effects (FICI = 0.5). The resultsdemonstrate that the aqueous extract of L. lucidum allows the synthesis of AuNPs and AgNPs, which haveattractive catalytic and antimicrobial activities, in a simple and environmentally friendly way.