Ag-Fe Nanoparticles Phytosynthesized by Mangifera indica Leaf Extract: Characterization and Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles have demonstrated extensive biomedical applications; however, the synergistic combination of silver and iron using Mangifera indica leaf extract remains underexplored. This study focuses on the green synthesis, characterization, and biomedical evaluation (antibacterial and antioxidant activities) of silver–iron (Ag–Fe) bimetallic nanoparticles using M. indica leaf extract. The nanoparticles were synthesized via a phytosynthetic approach and characterized using UV–Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method, while antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS assays. The UV–Vis spectra exhibited a distinct surface plasmon resonance peak at 445 nm, confirming nanoparticle formation. FTIR analysis revealed functional groups such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxylic groups, which played roles in reduction and stabilization. SEM images showed irregular, moderately aggregated nanoparticles, while EDX confirmed the presence of Ag and Fe. The Ag–Fe nanoparticles demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, with the highest inhibition observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.16 ± 0.76 mm), followed by Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antioxidant assays revealed dose-dependent radical scavenging activity. In the ABTS assay, the nanoparticles exhibited strong activity at low concentrations with an IC₅₀ of 1.42 µg/mL, while the DPPH IC₅₀ was 46.48 µg/mL compared to 26.91 µg/mL for ascorbic acid. Overall, the synthesized Ag–Fe bimetallic nanoparticles demonstrated promising antibacterial and antioxidant properties, attributable to the synergistic effects of silver and iron and the stabilizing influence of phytochemicals from M. indica. These findings suggest their potential application as antimicrobial and antioxidant agent in biomedical fields.