Biosynthesis and Characterization of Bimetallic Ag-Cu Nanoparticles from Tinospora cordifolia Aerial Roots and Their Biomedical Applications

Abstract

In this study, Tinospora cordifolia aerial root (TCA) aqueous extract was used for addressing its unexplored phytochemical components, bimetallic (Ag-Cu) nanoparticles’ generation, their biomedical and phytotoxicity safety assessment. UV–Vis spectroscopy analysis revealed two distinct bands with absorption maxima at 245 nm and 330 nm. The diffraction angle for Ag-NPs was 32.61 (111), 38.93° (201), 42.34° (210), 64.36° (220) and 77.56° (311) and Cu-NPs was seen in 27.92° (100) and 48.91 (210). The electron microscopic examination of the NPs verified the size (13.02 nm) while the EDX spectrum revealed the Ag-Cu NPs’ copper and silver components. The Ag-Cu NPs exhibited 25.42 mm inhibition zone opposing Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive bacteria), 22.44 mm against Klebsiella pneumoniae (Gram negative bacteria) and 19.34 mm inhibition zone against the fungus, Candida albicans at 100 µL/mL dose. The IC50 value of bimetallic Ag-Cu NPs against MDA-MB-231 cells was 7.231 µg/mL. Aedes aegypti larvae were susceptible with a lesser LC50 of 5.513 µg/mL TCA Ag-Cu NPs (24 h), with a significant Chi-square value (P ≤ 0.05) while the NPs had a higher rate of seed germinability and germination index of pearl millet seeds. Therefore, TCA Ag-Cu NPs utility is eco-friendly for biological and environmental applications.