Macroalgal (Ulva compressa) Silver Nanoparticles: Their Characterization, Cytotoxicity, and Antibacterial Applications

Abstract

In this study, an extract of Ulva compressa (UC), a green macroalgae, was used to synthesize biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The formation of nanoparticles (NPs) was evaluated and confirmed by using ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. UV-VIS spectra showing absorption peaks at 450 nm confirmed the formation of AgNPs. The particles were crystalline in nature according to the XRD pattern. AgNPs formation was proved by the FT-IR spectrum of UC. TEM image showed that the average particle size was 4.55 nm. The antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic activity was evaluated for the synthesized AgNPs. AgNPs obtained from algae demonstrated antimicrobial activity against all bacteria including B. subtilis, E. faecalis, S. mutans, E. coli, S. aureus, and S. pyogenes. The NPs were shown to have anticarcinogenic activity on HEK 293, MCF-7, and HeLa (reducing viability by 25.42%, 46.42%, and 62.42%, respectively) cell cultures. These findings indicate that AgNPs can be useful medicinal compounds. Green synthesized NPs can be developed and utilized as anticancer agents in the treatment of various types of cancer, as well as their antimicrobial effects can be utilized to ensure the long-term sustainability of food in this study.