Silver Nanoparticles Derived from Artocarpus heterophyllus for Antimicrobial Nano-gels:A Green Synthesis Approach

Artocarpus heterophyllus, commonly known as jackfruit, is widely valued for its nutritional benefits, with its leaf extract being studied for various medicinal properties. The synthesis of nanoparticles from A. heterophyllus leaf extract utilizes it natural bioactive compounds while addressing limitations like poor bioavailability, offering a greener and more efficient platform for medicinal delivery. This research aimed to enhance the eco-friendly production of silver nanoparticles (AH-AgNPs) from A. heterophyllus leaf extract using a Design of Experiments approach. The effects of varying concentrations of plant extract and silver nitrate on AH-AgNP size and entrapment efficiency were assessed through analysis of variance. Optimized AH-AgNPs were characterized using ultraviolet (UV)–visible (Vis) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, as well as SEM and TEM for determining size and shape. A Carbopol 940 gel incorporating AH-AgNP was formulated and evaluated for physicochemical properties and in vitro antimicrobial activity. The spherical AH-AgNPs measured 109.2 nm in size with a 90.15% entrapment efficiency, exhibiting broadspectrum antimicrobial properties. The resulting gel was light brown, free of lumps, with a uniform consistency, a nearly neutral pH (6.2 ± 0.2 to 7.1 ± 0.2), and a viscosity range of 2 884 cp to 3 047 cp. Notably, its efficacy against E. coli surpassed that of a commercial formulation containing 0.2% w/w silver nitrate, indicating potential for treating pathogenic infections.