Phyto-mediated Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Using Ficus Geniculate for Biomedical Application

Abstract

The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) green synthesis has appeared as an ecofriendly and explicable substitute towards the both traditional methodologies involving toxic reagents and hazardous byproducts. This study explores the biosynthesis and capping of AgNPs using the phytoextract of Ficus geniculate (F. geniculata) from the family Moraceae, a medicinal plant known for its diverse therapeutic properties, including anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, and anti-oxidant activities. The plant’s natural phytocomponents are natural reducers and stabilizers, enabling efficient nanoparticle synthesis under mild conditions. The aqueous extract of F. geniculata leaf buds was used to synthesize AgNPs, and the process was optimized to ensure high yield and stability. The formation, capping process, chemical composition, chemical structure, and stable nature of nanoparticles has been studied through characterization techniques. The biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited potent bioactivities, including significant anti-microbial efficacy against pathogenic microorganisms, promising anti-diabetic properties, and strong anti-oxidant potential. This study uniquely demonstrates the dual functionality of F. geniculata phytoextract in both the synthesis and stabilization of AgNPs, offering a sustainable route for producing nanomaterials with significant biomedical potential. The findings emphasize the importance of green synthesis pathways, leveraging the therapeutic potential of indigenous plants for advanced nanotechnology applications. By addressing environmental concerns and promoting sustainability, this research paves the way for scalable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly nanomaterial production, with broad implications for biomedicine and related fields. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025.