Green synthesis and biological activity of silver-curcumin nanoconjugates

Abstract

Aim: There is an urgent need to develop alternative antimicrobial agents and, one of which is via the use of nanotechnology. Green synthetic routes are recently being replaced for nanoparticles preparation. Methods results: Silver-curcumin nanoconjugates (Ag-CurNCs) were prepared in an eco-friendly method. The prepared nanomaterials were characterized and the photostability was studied under the influence of UV irradiation. Results showed that, the conjugation between curcumin and silver in the nanoform improve the photostability of curcumin. Cytotoxicity was studied on different skin cell lines, and antibacterial activity was investigated against Escherichia coli. Results revealed the antibacterial activity of the prepared nanoconjugates (Ag-CurNCs) with minimal toxicity to skin cells.

Conclusion: Silver nanoparticles improve the photostability and antibacterial activity of curcumin, while curcumin helps in preparing biocompatible silver nanoparticles.

Keywords: antibacterial; biosynthesis; cell culture; curcumin nanoparticles; cytotoxicity; green synthesis; silver nanoparticles; silver–curcumin nanoconjugates.