Abstract
Purpose
We used a notorious weed, Mikania micrantha (Asteraceae), to developed and optimize a microwave-assisted quick, single-step, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and safe approach for the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to investigate its antioxidant potential.
Methods
M. micrantha AuNPs (MMAuNPs) were produced in 75 seconds under microwave irradiation. The UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, HR-TEM, SAED, EDX, FTIR, XRD, and DLS analysis was used to describe the AuNPs. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays showed antioxidant activity. Anticancer potential was assessed by MTT assay against breast cancer cells. Swiss albino mice were tested for BBB impact by actophotometer and tail immersion.
Results
The synthesis of MMAuNPs was confirmed by a characteristic ruby red coloration and surface plasmon resonance peak at 534 nm. The MMAuNPs are predominantly spherical in shape, small (107.82 nm), and crystalline in nature. The antioxidant properties of the MMAuNPs were found to be better than M. micrantha aqueous extract. MMAuNPs showed anticancer potential with IC50 values of 157.1 and 174.2 µg/mL against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, respectively. MMAuNPs did not show a significant response of locomotor count and antinociceptive activity.
Conclusion
Natural creations always have a purpose, and even the most renowned weeds have something worthwhile to impart on society. The results may provide unforeseen opportunities in terms of maximizing trash usage. Nevertheless, more investigation is necessary to evaluate the in vivo effects of MMAuNPs prior to their widespread use in the field of medicine, whether as independent therapies, antioxidant, or anticancer substances, or as drug carriers.