Green synthesis, characterization and bioactivity analysis of eco-friendly silver nanoparticles using Schefflera actinophylla flowers

Harishankar Sunilkumar; Haripriya R. Venpalackal; Aswathy S. Nair; Rani V. Sivasankarapillai; Emmanuel Simon; Supriya Radhakrishnan

doi:10.1515/pac-2024-0378

Article

Green synthesis, characterization and bioactivity analysis of eco-friendly silver nanoparticles using Schefflera actinophylla flowers

Harishankar Sunilkumar , Haripriya R. Venpalackal , Aswathy S. Nair , Rani V. Sivasankarapillai , Emmanuel Simon and Supriya Radhakrishnan

Published/Copyright: May 23, 2025

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From the journal Pure and Applied Chemistry

Abstract

The synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) has gained prominence due to their distinct properties and wide-ranging applications. Among various methods, green synthesis stands out for its environmentally friendly approach. This study investigates the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous extract of Umbrella plant flowers (Schefflera actinophylla). Phytochemical analysis of the extract identified the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, resins, carbohydrates, and phenols. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using a 0.1 M AgNO₃ solution and monitored through UV-visible spectroscopy, which revealed an absorption peak at 370 nm. Characterization through infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Zeta potential measurements indicated an average particle size of 8.9 nm and a zeta potential of −8.8 mV. FE-SEM images showed nanoparticles in various shapes. The AgNPs exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against common bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, as well as fungi including Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. Furthermore, the nanoparticles displayed notable antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value of 37.025 μg/ml. This study highlights the benefits of using plant-based methods for nanoparticle synthesis, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical processes, thus reducing pollution and mitigating antibiotic resistance in microbes.

Keywords: antimicrobial properties; green synthesis; pesticides and related emerging organic polutants, phytochemical analysis; Schefflera actinophylla ; silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)

Corresponding author: Supriya Radhakrishnan, Postgraduate and Research Department of Botany, SVR NSS College, Vazhoor, Kerala, 686505, India, e-mail: supriyaradhakrishnan@gmail.com

Article note: A collection of invited papers based on presentations at the International Conference on Pesticides and Related Emerging Organic Pollutants Impact on the Environment and Human Health and Its Remediation Strategies held on 7 - 9 Nov 2024 in Bangalore, India.

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgements to SVR NSS College, Vazhoor for providing the infrastructure to do the work.

Research ethics: NA.
Informed consent: Informed consent was obtained from all individuals included in this study, or their legal guardians or wards.
Author contributions: All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: Grammarly, Chat GPT – to improve language.
Competing interests: The authors state no conflict of interest.
Research funding: Nil.
Data availability: NA.

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Published Online: 2025-05-23

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https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2024-0378

Keywords for this article

antimicrobial properties; green synthesis; pesticides and related emerging organic polutants, phytochemical analysis; Schefflera actinophylla; silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)