Researchers are exploring sustainable methods for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to improve their therapeutic efficacy and reduce environmental impact. A recent study demonstrated the green synthesis of AgNPs using flavonol-enriched extracts from male papaya flowers, representing not just innovation but also the potential for agricultural waste utilization.
This research employed 20% (v/v) papaya flower extract to produce highly stable, spherical KQ-AgNPs measuring 12.3 ± 3.0 nm. Notably, these nanoparticles displayed exceptional antibacterial properties against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, significantly outperforming both the extracts alone and conventionally synthesized AgNPs.
The synthesized KQ-AgNPs also exhibited enhanced anticancer activity, with tests showing effective cytotoxicity against breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7) with an IC50 of 21.25 ± 1.14 µg/mL, compared to 33.05 ± 3.13 µg/mL for chemically synthesized counterparts. This selective toxicity was balanced by low toxicity to normal cells, where the IC50 was significantly higher at 169.96 ± 2.3 µg/mL.
This approach underlines the dual therapeutic potential of KQ-AgNPs, highlighting their efficacy and biocompatibility. The growing papaya industry, projected to yield 6,384,220 metric tons by 2030, supports the sustainable production of these nanoparticles through the utilization of agricultural waste.
The synthesis leverages free radicals generated during the extraction process, allowing for efficient reduction of metallic ions to nanoparticles with stabilized surfaces. This method not only enhances the biocompatibility of these nanoparticles but also emphasizes the need for greener technologies within nanotechnology.
Despite the promising results, researchers stress the necessity for comprehensive safety evaluations and regulatory compliance before commercial applications. Future work will focus on optimizing these synthesis techniques for scalability, ensuring consistent production, and exploring variations of flavonoid-rich extracts to maximize therapeutic output.
Overall, this study opens pathways for transforming underutilized agricultural products like male papaya flowers (often discarded) through cost-effective and environmentally friendly nanoparticle synthesis methods, underscoring the potential for improved health outcomes and sustainable practices.