A rapid, high‐yield and bioinspired synthesis of colloidal silver nanoparticles using Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract and assessment of antibacterial and phytostimulatory activity

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as highly effective antimicrobial agents against multidrug‐resistant (MDR) pathogens. This study aims to employ green chemistry principles for AgNP synthesis involving phytochemical‐rich extract from Glycyrrhiza glabra roots. The approach highlights using renewable feedstocks, safer chemicals, minimum byproducts, and process scale‐up. The synthesis of AgNPs was assessed using a surface plasmon resonance band at 420 nm, and structural properties were characterized using TEM, x‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This method enables the production of high‐yield dispersions of AgNPs with desired physicochemical characteristics, including dark yellow solution, size (~20 nm), spherical to an oval shape, crystal structure, and stable colloidal properties. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs was investigated against the MDR bacteria strains of gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram‐negative (Escherichia coli). This work reveals that the antimicrobial activity of AgNPs can be influenced by bacterial cell wall components. The results demonstrate the strong interaction between AgNPs and E. coli, exhibiting a dose‐dependent antibacterial response. The green approach facilitated the safer, facile, and rapid synthesis of colloidal dispersions of AgNPs, providing a sustainable and promising alternative to conventional chemical and physical methods. Furthermore, the effect of AgNPs on various growth parameters, including seed germination, root and shoot elongation, and dry weight biomass, was assessed for mung bean seedlings. The results revealed phytostimulatory effects, suggesting the promising prospects of AgNPs in the nano‐priming of agronomic seeds.Research Highlights Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract enabled rapid, high‐yield, and eco‐friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Spectrophotometric analysis examined the optical properties, scalability, and stability of AgNPs. Transmission electron microscopy provided insights into the size, shape, and dispersity of AgNPs. Scanning electron microscopy revealed significant damage to gram‐negative bacterial cell morphology and membrane integrity. AgNPs were found to enhance seed germination, seedling growth, and biomass yield of Vigna radiata.

Solid‐State Synthesis of Liquorice‐Stabilized Copper‐Based Nanoparticles: Structural and Catalytic Studies

“…Three structural changes were observed here. First, the strong and broad IR peak at 3400 cm −1 (stretching vibration of −OH group) of Liquorice , was weakened and shifted to 3420 cm −1 in the spectrum of Liquorice ‐stabilized Cu(Ox) nanoparticles [31] . Second, a new IR peak was recorded at 1727 cm −1 for Cu(Ox)@ Liquorice which was attributed to the stretching vibration of −C=O group of ascorbic acid.…”

Hollow Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as a New Nanoscale Resistance Inducer for Fusarium Wilt Control: Size Effects and Mechanism of Action

“…Different kinds of nanoparticles have been found to have different uses. Metal-based nanoparticles such as silver (AgNPs), copper, and zinc nanoparticles have direct antibacterial or antifungal capability against a wide variety of plant pathogens [12,14,41,42]. SiO 2 NPs [7,12,[20][21][22], as well as AgNPs [12,16] can function as resistance inducers to stimulate plant innate immunity, enhancing a plant's resistance to many pathogens.…”

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Evaluation of Their Effect Against some Virulence Factors of Opportunistic Systemic Mycoses Fungi

“…The unique material known as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has several uses, such as sensors, catalysts, antibacterial, and anticancer agents.AgNPs have been shown to have antibacterial, fungal, and viral action [5]. Because they are simpler to improve, less biohazardous, and do not require cell culture growth, plantbased methods for AgNP production are usually preferred over microorganism-based ones, the biomolecules found in all plant parts, leaves, fruits, roots, seeds, and stems have the potential to be very medicinal and environmentally benign despite their complex structures (e.g., enzymes, alkaloids, polysaccharides, tannins, terpenoids, phenols, and vitamins) [6], In vitro investigation of the antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles made from Glycyrrhiza glabra roots against a few opportunistic systemic mycoses fungus was the goal of this work.…”