Green Synthesis of TiO2 NPs Using Agave americana Leaves: Antioxidant, Cytotoxicity, and Photocatalytic Activity

Abstract

Nanotechnology involves the synthesis and application of nanoparticles across various fields, including medicine, agriculture, environmental remediation, and electronics. The green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts is increasingly being explored to produce eco-friendly nanoparticles and mitigate potential adverse effects in biomedical applications. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has garnered attention due to its low cost, availability, chemical stability, and biocompatibility. This study used an eco-friendly and simple green synthesis approach to fabricate and characterize titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) using Agave americana leaf extract. The UV–vis spectra revealed a strong peak at 385 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the tetragonal crystalline structure of TiO₂ (rutile), with a particle size of 14.56 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated characteristic stretching vibrations of TiO₂ at 471 cm⁻¹. TiO₂ NPs exhibited a significant cytotoxic effect against cancer cells while demonstrating lower toxicity to normal cells, highlighting their selective anticancer properties. Additionally, TiO₂ NPs demonstrated a strong photocatalytic activity of 93% under UV light exposure over 180 min. These findings strongly support the utilization of Agave americana leaves as a valuable source of antioxidants and highlight the efficacy of biosynthesized TiO₂ NPs in environmental and biological applications.