LC–MS Profiling of Bioflavonoid-Catalysed Size-Controlled Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles From Cordia sinensis Leaf and Stem Extracts for Sustainable Packaging Applications

Abstract

In this study, Cordia sinensis stem and leaf extracts were employed for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The synthesized AgNPs demonstrated a characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 420 nm in the UV–Visible spectrum, confirming their formation. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) revealed predominantly spherical nanoparticles ranging from 50 to 100 nm in size. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated the presence of surface-bound bioflavonoids and other secondary metabolites, which acted as both reducing and stabilizing agents. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) further confirmed the presence of biomolecules on the nanoparticle surface. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) profiling identified various phytoconstituents in C. sinensis with known antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, hypolipidaemic, antifungal, anthelminthic, antidiabetic and pro-apoptotic properties. The biosynthesized AgNPs demonstrated antimicrobial activity against selected bacterial strains. These findings suggest that C. sinensis stem and leaf extracts offer a cost-effective and eco-friendly substitute to chemical methods for AgNP synthesis. The resulting AgNPs, free from toxic residues, show potential for biomedical and packaging applications.