Phytochemically Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles using Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Extract Potentiate Cytotoxicity

A study was conducted to develop a cost-effective and eco-friendly method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Ocimum Basilicum leaf extract (OBLE). The physical and chemical properties of the synthesized AgNPs were analyzed. The X-ray diffractogram of OBLE-mediated AgNPs (OBLE@AgNPs) exhibited face-centered cubic crystallinity with space group F m 3 ¯ m , which was confirmed by Rietveld refinement studies. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified the functional groups of the phytochemicals present in OBLE at 3416 cm −1 and 1652 cm −1 , indicating the presence of phenolic (−OH) content belonging to OBLE. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by a characteristic hump at 403 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum. The granular microstructure of OBLE@AgNPs showed well-interlinked grains with agglomeration and an average grain size of 22 nm. The anticancer activity of OBLE@AgNPs was evaluated against MDA-MD 231 breast cancer cell lines, and the results indicated dose-dependent cell viability with an IC 50 value of 67.83 µg/mL. The present study demonstrated a simple and environment-friendly method for synthesizing AgNPs using OBLE, which could potentially be used in various biomedical applications. Graphical abstract Highlights OBLE@AgNPs exhibit face-centered cubic crystal structure with Fm 3 ¯ m space group. OBLE@AgNPs showed well-interlinked grains with an average grain size of 22 nm. FTIR spectrum of OBLE@AgNPs confirmed the presence of phytochemicals of OBLE. Low IC 50 (= 67.83 µg/mL) was obtained for the cytotoxic activity of OBLE@AgNPs against MDA-MD 231 cancer cell line.