Work

Sustainable biosynthesis and characterization of optimized silver nanoparticles using Apis mellifera Syriaca bread with antimicrobial and biocompatibility evaluation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were green-synthesized using Syrian bee bread (SBB) extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. Optimal reaction conditions were established at 1% extract concentration, 1 mM silver nitrate, pH 9.5, and room temperature. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis revealed a hydrodynamic diameter (ZA) of 61.95 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.347, while the zeta potential measured − 25.2 mV, indicating good colloidal stability. UV–Vis spectroscopy showed a characteristic absorption peak at 437 nm, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) confirmed predominantly spherical nanoparticles with an average size of ~ 30 nm. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed smooth, uniform surfaces with an average size of ~ 36 nm of spherical AgNPs. The synthesized SBB-AgNPs displayed notable antimicrobial activity, with inhibition zones of 20, 20, 22, 21, 20, and 25 mm against Staphylococcus aureus , Staphylococcus epidermidis , Escherichia coli , Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Candida albicans , respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) values ranged from 20 to 25 µg/mL, while the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MBCs) were 40–50 µg/mL demonstrating effective bactericidal potential. Cytotoxicity assessment on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) revealed that doses up to 50 µg/mL were relatively safe and maintained high cell viability, whereas higher concentrations induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with an IC 50 value of 192.3 µg/mL, indicating good biocompatibility. This study reports, for the first time, the use of SBB for nanoparticle synthesis, underscoring its potential as a sustainable natural source for producing eco-friendly nanomaterials. These findings demonstrate the promise of SBB-AgNPs for biomedical applications by balancing antimicrobial efficacy with cellular safety.

Source: Discover Sustainability

DOI: 10.1007/s43621-025-02348-6

Authors: Bayan Kaabour, Ghinwa Lababidi, Ibrahim Alghoraibi

Institutions: University of Aleppo, Damascus University

Language: English

Topic: Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,390