Mass production of morin‐stabilized silver nanoparticles: Characterization, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities

Abstract Phytochemical‐conjugated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are believed to act as a bridge between nanotechnology and therapy. There is a significant need for green and mass production of such materials due to their extensive applications, especially in the biomedical sector. In this study, morin‐stabilized silver nanoparticles (morin/AgNPs) were synthesized on a massive scale using a one‐pot solid‐state technique. The reaction is achieved by ball milling of morin and silver nitrate powders at ambient temperature without any solvent or toxic reagent. The prepared morin/AgNPs exhibited a semi‐hexagonal shape and ranged in size from 21 to 43 nm. The x‐ray diffraction results elucidated the formation of highly crystalline AgNPs. Fourier transform infrared and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic analyses prove that the hydroxyl, carbonyl, and aromatic functionalities in morin are playing major roles in the reduction and stabilization of AgNPs. The antioxidant potential of morin/AgNPs was evaluated utilizing 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Morin/AgNPs exhibited better free radical scavenging activity (IC 50 = 11.7 μg/mL) than morin (IC 50 = 14.8 μg/mL). Furthermore, the synthesized AgNPs showed promising antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli , Klebsiella pneumonia , Staphylococcus aureus , Streptococcus mutans , and Candida albicans . The largest inhibition zones were observed against S. aureus (21.2 ± 0.6 mm) and K. pneumonia (20.3 ± 0.5 mm) bacteria. The foregoing results highlighted the prospective application of morin/AgNPs as a promising antioxidant and antimicrobial material for safe medical applications. Research Highlights A simple green route for the large‐scale production of AgNPs was developed. Morin acts as reducing/stabilizing agent in solid‐state synthesis of AgNPs. Morin/AgNPs exhibited promising antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.