article · Journal of Molecular Liquids
Silver nanoparticles were produced through a rapid, environmentally friendly synthesis method using Nigella sativa seed extract. Physical characterisation confirmed the creation of spherical nanoparticles measuring roughly 50 nanometres, alongside their optical bandgap properties. The resulting nanoparticles were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against the fungal pathogen Candida albicans and the XBB.1.5 variant of SARS-CoV-2. In computational molecular docking analyses, the nanoparticles demonstrated an ability to bind to the receptor-binding domain of the viral spike protein, which mediates entry into host cells via human cellular receptors. This binding mechanism provides a plausible basis for their antiviral action. The findings suggest that these green-synthesised silver nanoparticles could serve as therapeutic agents against multidrug-resistant pathogens, though further research is required to evaluate their biosafety and precise biological mechanisms.
Drug-resistant pathogens, including persistent fungi and emerging viral strains, present severe risks to human health. Developing eco-friendly synthesis methods that harness plant extracts provides an alternative approach to creating novel antimicrobials. Understanding how biosynthesised nanoparticles disrupt viral binding and inhibit fungal growth helps inform the development of interventions against difficult-to-treat infections.
This work points towards potential applications in antimicrobial therapeutics aimed at drug-resistant viruses and fungi, which could interest pharmaceutical developers. However, the technology is at an early research stage, having been evaluated only via laboratory assays and computational modelling. Commercial deployment remains distant, as comprehensive biosafety evaluations and in-depth mechanism studies are still required before clinical development can be considered.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
Pathogens that are resistant to multiple drugs, commonly known as superbugs, including viruses and fungi, are posing a significant danger to human health. These superbugs are responsible for causing high rates of morbidity and mortality each year, and the numbers are continuing to rise. Therefore, the search for potent, safe, and viable alternative antimicrobial agents is imperative. In the current study, a rapid and eco-friendly method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Nigella sativa seed extract was developed. Various characterization techniques, including ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy associated with microanalysis by dispersive energy of X-rays (SEM-EDX), and Zeta-potential, were employed to confirm the formation of AgNPs. Agglomerated particles with a spherical shape and a size of approximately 50 nm were identified in the SEM images of AgNPs. The optical bandgap energy of the AgNPs was determined to be 2.43 eV for direct bandgap and 1.87 eV for allowable indirect band gap. The study also investigated the antiviral activity of AgNPs against the XBB.1.5 SARS-CoV-2 variant and assessed their Anti-Candida Assay against Candida albicans. Furthermore, we conducted molecular docking studies to explore the interactions between AgNPs and the Omicron receptor-binding motif (RBM). The spike protein RBD binds to the receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) human cellular receptor (hACE2) that helps the virus enter the host cell. The results indicated that AgNPs can bind to the spike protein RBD, potentially elucidating their antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2. The findings of this study suggest that silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) hold promise as potent agents for therapeutic applications, particularly in addressing multidrug-resistant strains of viruses and Candida. However, further research is essential to thoroughly elucidate the mode of action and assess the biosafety of AgNPs.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2024.125059
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
