Exploring Antioxidant and Genotoxic Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Karaerik Grape Leaves: A Green Approach

Nowadays, plant extract-mediated biosynthesis of nanoparticles has gained prominence as a pivotal research domain. Silver nanoparticles are traditionally synthesized using highly toxic and ecologically hazardous chemical and physical methods. The emerging green synthesis approach offers more eco-friendly alternatives while reducing production costs. Hence, the present study opted for a nature-friendly green synthesis method to produce silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The reaction involved the treatment of AgNO3 (5 mM) with an aqueous extract of Karaerik grape leaf. Subsequently, the potentially toxic, genotoxic, and antioxidant effects of purchased chemically produced silver nanoparticles (AgNP(c)) and silver nanoparticles (AgNP(b)) that we synthesized using the green method were investigated on Drosophila melanogaster transheterozygous larvae. The study employed 72 ± 4 hour-old larvae bearing the recessive flr3 and mwh determinant genes on their third chromosomes. Exposure scenarios included 1 mM Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), AgNPs (1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/mL), and EMS+ AgNPs. Interestingly, the EMS+ AgNPs combination reduced total oxidant status while increasing total antioxidant status significantly compared to EMS alone. To assess genotoxic effects, mutant trichomes resulting from genetic changes in the development of wing imaginal discs were examined. Furthermore, the AgNP synthesized through green synthesis demonstrated antioxidant properties and displayed no genotoxicity. In conclusion, the research highlights the promising potential of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles, which provide an eco-friendly and safe method for various applications.