Kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.) extract for a biogenic and eco-benign synthesis of silver nanoparticles with efficient biological activities
Ebru Kocadağ Kocazorbaz, Hichem Moulahoum, Ezgi Tut, Aybike Sarac, Kerem Tok, H. Tansel Yalçın, Figen Zihnioğlu
Abstract
Green chemistry applications in nanoparticle synthesis using plant extracts is an eco-friendly approach in material science. Metallic nanoparticles with potent bioactivities have been synthesized using plant extracts. Here, we describe an environmental-friendly approach for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous leaf extract of kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.). The extract was first analyzed for its content, after which it was utilized for the AgNPs synthesis. The synthesis optimization was performed via the adjustment of different parameters such as the concentrations of components and reaction time using UV–visible spectroscopy. The NPs characterization was performed using DLS, SEM, FTIR, XRF, and SEM-EDS techniques. The antibacterial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic effects of AgNPs were tested. Results demonstrated the rich content of the extract in terms of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. AgNPs were spherical-shaped with a size ranging between 50–70 nm. They demonstrated distinct antioxidant (EC50=32.91 μg/mL) and deglycation (IC50=41.62 μg/mL) activities as well as a potent antimicrobial activity against various pathogens (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Candida albicans). The current findings highlight the potential of Quercus coccifera L. as a biological material for various biomedical applications.