Integrated synthesis and characterization of quercetin-functionalized silver and gold nanoparticles: exploring antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties through in silico and in vitro studies

Abstract

Conventional cancer therapies face high costs and adverse effects, driving interest in natural compounds like quercetin for their therapeutic potential. However, quercetin’s poor solubility limits its effectiveness, necessitating innovative delivery methods. This study introduces a one-pot synthesis technique for quercetin-functionalized silver (Q-AgNPs) and quercetin-functionalised gold nanoparticles (Q-AuNPs), using quercetin (Q) exhibits bifunctional capabilities, operating as a potent electron donor and an effective stabilizing agent. Characterization using UV–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR spectroscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and high-resolution TEM (FEG-TEM) confirms the successful creation of highly crystalline, uniform Au and Ag nanoparticles averaging 28 nm and 32 nm in diameter. Quercetin-functionalized nanoparticles show superior antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties compared to quercetin. Quercetin silver nanoparticles demonstrate significant activity against human cervical (SiHa) and colon (HT-29) cancer cell lines and effective antimicrobial activity. At low concentrations (80 µg/mL), these nanoparticles achieve a 50% reduction in cell growth. Moreover, Q-AgNPs exhibit better antioxidant activity than quercetin and (Q-AuNPs). This synthesis method offers a cost-effective, environmentally sustainable alternative, positioning quercetin-functionalized metal nanoparticles as a promising avenue for further cancer research and therapeutic development.