Biomimetic green approach on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Calotropis gigantea leaf extract and its biological applications

This study aimed to obtain silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Calotropis gigantea leaf extract and to assess its cytotoxicity and larvicidal activity. Green synthesized AgNPs were subjected to characterization techniques like UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDAX). UV–Vis absorption indicated the formation of AgNPs, and the spectrum was seen at 430 nm. The FT-IR spectra revealed the presence of functional groups in the synthesized AgNPs. XRD and SEM analyses revealed the crystallinity and uniform spherical size of the particles and the purity of the AgNPs was determined using EDAX. AgNPs were found to be cytotoxic to breast cancer cells (MCF-7). In addition, AgNPs showed a high larvicidal action against Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae. These findings support the hypothesis that produced AgNPs have superior larvicidal properties and could thus be used as a promising, cost-effective, and eco-friendly technique to control the A. aegypti and a good anticancer drug in the future.