Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Carob leaf extract: Characterization and analysing of toxic effects in model organism Galleria mellonella L. (The Greater Wax Moth)

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) have been used in many studies due to their inhibitory properties on microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. In recent years, due to global problems such as environmental pollution, the green synthesis (biosynthesis) method is frequently preferred because it is simple and low cost and does not require the use of toxic substances. In this study, it was determined that the effects on antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx, GST), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and total hemocyte count (THC) as well as phenoloxidase activity to determine their effect on antioxidant defence and the immune system in model organism Galleria mellonella larvae. We observed that green synthesized AgNPs accumulate in the midgut of the larvae and led to the increasing of CAT and SOD activities. GST and AChE activities were increased in the fat body of the larvae otherwise; it was decreased in the midgut. Moreover, increases were found in THC and phenoloxidase activity. Consequently, green synthesized silver nanoparticles led to oxidative stress and immuntoxic effects on G. mellonella larvae.