Green Synthesis of Silver- and Gold Nanoparticles Using Justicia tranquebariensis Root Extract and their Anticancer Activity Against MOLT-4 Leukemia Cells
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 15, No 1 (March 2026) pp. 500-508
Abstract
This research focuses on the environmental friendly synthesis of silver- and gold nanoparticles (AgNPs and AuNPs) using root extracts of Justicia tranquebariensis and evaluates their cytotoxic effects against the MOLT-4 leukemia cell line. FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of phenolics and flavonoids in the plant extract, which play a crucial role in the reduction and stabilization of metal nanoparticles. The morphology and elemental composition of the fabricated nanomaterials were confirmed using SEM and EDAX techniques. Cell viability assays and morphological examinations showed a concentration-dependent decrease in MOLT-4 cell survival, with the crude root extract reducing viability to 22.76% at 300 µg L-1. AgNPs and AuNPs enhanced the anticancer activity by lowering viability to 20.96% (JT-Root-Ag) and 18.53% (JT-Root-Au), respectively, at just 15 µg L-1. These results suggest that J. tranquebariensis root-mediated nanoparticles offer a promising, sustainable approach for developing effective anticancer agents.
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