LAUSR

Abstract Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has attracted great interest due to their therapeutic benefits with unique properties. Special concern is oriented to biosynthesis of nanoparticles using various plant extracts, in order to develop the cost effective, nontoxic and environmental compatibility approach. In the present study, for the first time, an aqueous extracted from Oxalis corniculata was used to synthesis AgNPs. The chemical composition of aqueous extract of O. corniculata was identified with the gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (GC– MS) analysis. The formation of AgNPs was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Phytosynthesis AgNPs were evaluated for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on human colon carcinoma cell line (HT29) and normal fibroblast cells (L929). Based on obtained data, the synthesized nanoparticles show a spherical shape with an average size of 30 nm. The free radical scavenging assay using DPPH and ABST radicals revealed prevailing antioxidant activity for AgNPs in comparison with the aqueous extract. Data obtained from the MTT assay demonstrated that biologically synthesis of AgNPs reduced cell viability of HT29 and L929 in a concentration dependent manner. Apoptosis induction was approved by dot plots of Annexin-V/PI detection assay. It was also confirmed that the biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both Gram positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The data generated in the present study demonstrated that O. corniculata aqueous extract has great potential for the synthesis of silver nanopartcles with biomedical and therapeutic applications.