Eco-inspired synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Prunus avium stems: Mechanistic insights into multifunctional biomedical activities

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) fabricated via green approaches have emerged as attractive candidates for multifunctional biomedical applications. In the present work, an environmentally benign method was employed to synthesize AgNPs using Prunus avium L. stem extract (AgNPs@PAS), followed by detailed physicochemical characterization with different techniques. Structural analyses verified the formation of predominantly spherical AgNPs@PAS with particle sizes mainly ranging from 10 to 35 nm, while FT-IR spectra confirmed the presence of phytochemical compounds acting as surface-capping agents. Biological investigations revealed broad-spectrum antibacterial properties, with the highest efficacy observed against Escherichia coli (MBC= 140 μg/mL), as well as considerable antifungal activity against Candida albicans (MIC= 17.5 μg/mL). The synthesized AgNPs@PAS also displayed strong antioxidant performance, achieving 93 % DPPH radical scavenging at a concentration of 140 μg/mL. Furthermore, in vivo burn wound experiments illustrated a significant enhancement in wound closure following treatment with AgNPs@PAS. Cytotoxicity assessment indicated notable anticancer property on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, with an IC50 value of 78.8 μg/mL. Collectively, these results suggest that AgNPs@PAS represent a promising multifunctional nanoplatform for biomedical applications, particularly in burn wound healing.