Phyto-synthesized silver-iron oxide nanoparticles from Traganum nudatum for antimicrobial and anticancer applications: experimental and computational insights

Abstract

The rising incidence of antimicrobial resistance necessitates the development of sustainable and eco-friendly nanomaterials. In this study, silver-iron oxide nanoparticles (Ag-FeO NPs) were phyto-synthesized using Traganum nudatum seed extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent, and their physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity were systematically evaluated. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed a characteristic absorption peak at 359 nm, providing supportive evidence of nanoparticle formation. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed functional groups at 1,645 and 3,315 cm-1, indicating the involvement of plant-derived phytochemicals in nanoparticle stabilization. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed heterogeneous spherical and rod-like nanostructures with moderate aggregation, while scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy qualitatively indicated the presence of silver and iron, together with oxygen and carbon. Dynamic light scattering analysis showed an average hydrodynamic particle size of 7.3 nm and a broad particle size distribution (PDI = 0.60), with a zeta potential of −1.36 mV. GC-MS profiling identified bioactive metabolites, including 3-(octanoyloxy)propane-1,2-diyl bis(decanoate), n-hexadecanoic acid, hentriacontane, and lidocaine, potentially contributing to nanoparticle synthesis and bioactivity. Ag-FeO NPs exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. SEM analysis of C. albicans revealed severe ultrastructural damage, including surface deformation and cell wall disruption. Ag-FeO NPs produced greater reductions in MCF-7 cell viability than in MCF-10A non-tumorigenic epithelial cells, although a clear concentration-dependent response was not observed within the tested range. Computational prediction analyses using PASS, SwissTargetPrediction, SwissADME, and ProTox-II indicated that several identified phytochemicals possess antimicrobial and antineoplastic potential together with favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics. Overall, the integration of green synthesis, experimental validation, and computational modeling highlights the potential of T. nudatum-mediated Ag-FeO NPs as effective and sustainable agents for biomedical applications.