Salvia sclarea L.-Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: Characterization, Secondary Metabolite Influence, and Antibacterial Activity Assessment

Abstract

Abstract In the current study, AgNPs were synthesized utilizing the extract of Salvia sclarea L. as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The reduction of silver ions was confirmed through X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV-visible spectroscopy. Notably, the UV-Vis measurements exhibited distinguishable spectral patterns that indicated the presence of the characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak of AgNPs. Additionally, XRD analysis verified the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles and provided insights into their crystal structure and composition. To further investigate their properties, TEM and SEM analyses were conducted to examine the morphology, size distribution, and uniformity of the nanoparticles. FTIR analysis aided in elucidating the functional groups and surface chemistry of the AgNPs. Furthermore, the influence of AgNPs on the secondary metabolite profiles of shoots raised in vitro in S. sclarea was assessed. The inclusion of AgNPs in the culture media caused qualitative and quantitative adjustments in the secondary metabolite contents of the shoots. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of the AgNPs against common bacterial strains, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, was evaluated. Encouragingly, the AgNPs exhibited moderate antimicrobial properties, suggesting their potential utilization in combating bacterial pathogens. This study highlights the efficacy of utilizing S. sclarea extract for the green synthesis of AgNPs, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of these nanoparticles, from their structural and chemical characteristics to their antimicrobial potential. The environmentally friendly and sustainable approach presented here holds promise for a variety of applications where AgNPs can enhance secondary metabolite production and counteract microbial threats.