Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the green matrix is an emerging trend and is considered green nanotechnology because it involves a simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly process. The present research aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles from a Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R.Br. flower bud aqueous extract, characterize these nanoparticles, and perform in vitro determination of their biological applications. UV-Vis spectra were used to study the characterization of biosynthesized L. nepetifolia-flower-bud-mediated AgNPs (LnFb-AgNPs); an SPR absorption maximum at 418 nm confirmed the formation of LnFb-AgNPs. The presumed phytoconstituents subjected to reduction in the silver ions were revealed by FTIR analysis. XRD, TEM, EDS, TGA, and zeta potential with DLS analysis revealed the crystalline nature, particle size, elemental details, surface charge, thermal stability, and spherical shape, with an average size of 24.50 nm. In addition, the LnFb-AgNPs were also tested for antimicrobial activity and exhibited a moderate zone of inhibition against the selected pathogens. Concentration-dependent antioxidant activity was observed in the DPPH assay. Further, the cytotoxicity increased proportionate to the increasing concentration of the biosynthesized LnFb-AgNPs with a maximum effect at 200 μg/mL by showing the inhibition cell viability percentages and an IC50 of 35.84 μg/mL. Subsequently, the apoptotic/necrotic potential was determined using Annexin V/Propidium Iodide staining by the flow cytometry method. Significant early and late apoptosis cell populations were observed in response to the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PANC-1) cell line, as demonstrated by the obtained results. In conclusion, the study's findings suggest that the LnFb-AgNPs could serve as remedial agents in a wide range of biomedical applications.
Keywords: Leonotis nepetifolia flower buds; PANC-1 cell line; apoptosis; cytotoxicity; flow cytometry; green synthesis.