Incorporation of Silver Nanoparticles with Natural Polymers Using Biotechnological and Gamma Irradiation Processes

Aim: In this study, silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) was synthesized by two processes. Chemical process using natural polymers as citrus pectin (CP), chitosan (Cs) and alginate (Alg) and biological process using aqueous extract of fermented fenugreek by Pleurotus ostreatus (AEFF).

Methodology: Gamma radiation was used to improve reduction of silver ions to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by a chemical process (citrus pectin, chitosan and alginate) and biological process (aqueous extract of fermented fenugreek by Pleurotus ostreatus). Optimization of conditions using general factorial design was performed. AgNPs were further characterized by UV-Visible, Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Evaluating the anticancer and antioxidant activities of AgNPs was performed.

Results: chemical and biological processes can reduce the silver ions to AgNPs. The maximum AgNPs produced at condition as follows: 1). Chemical process [CP 1%, metal concentration 1 mM, pH 7, radiation dose 5 kGy, size TEM (26 nm), DLS (32 nm) and anticancer IC50 EAC= 35 µg/ml, CACO=39 µg/ml] and 2). Biological process (Aqueous extract of fermented fenugreek powder, metal concentration 0.5 mM, pH 7, radiation dose 20 kGy, size TEM (12.5 nm) DLS (10.3 nm), anticancer IC50 EAC= 2 µg/ml, CACO= 2.4 µg/ml). The incorporation of AgNPs with natural polymer like CP, Cs, Alg and AEFF increases the antioxidant activity.

Conclusion: Synthesis of AgNPs by biological method (AEFF powder by Pleurotus ostreatus) it’s superior to chemical method (natural polymers as CP, Cs and Alg). AgNPs can be incorporated with natural polymer like CP, Cs, Alg and AEFF; it furthermore, incorporated AgNPs can be used to inhibit the cancer cell and as antioxidant.