Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Biocompatible Structures of Gold Nanoparticles in Biomedical Applications (Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Anticancer)

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) stand out due to their low toxicity and high compatibility, and the large and modifiable surface areas they provide. In this study, the leaves of Celtis tournefortii Lam. (CT) were used for the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) first time. The size, shape, surface charge, and functionality of the synthesized AuNPs are described in detail. The suggested mechanisms of action on the tested target cells are highlighted. The biological activities (antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer) of “green” AuNPs and their further biomedical application possibilities are also discussed. Synthesized AuNPs displayed a spherical appearance, surface plasmon resonance band at 553.67 nm wavelength, and surface charge of -16.53 mV. Particle morphology, size, and surface charge were observed to be affected by the leaf extract used in the reduction reaction. FTIR and TGA-DTA data revealed that functional groups from the CT extract participate in the synthesis and stabilization of AuNPs. AuNPs showed antibacterial and antifungal effects on all the strains and yeast tested by microdilution method (MIC). AuNPs showed dose-dependent cytotoxic activity on cancerous cell lines (SKOV-3, CaCo2, and U118). The obtained results highlight a potentially low-cost green synthesis method using CT leaf extract to synthesize AuNPs showing important biological properties.