An Assessment of the Cyto-Genotoxicity Effects of Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles and ATCBRA Insecticide on the Root System of <i>Vicia faba</i>
We aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using <i>Elettaria cardamomum</i> (cardamom) extracts and assess the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the cardamom extract, <i>cardamom</i>–AgNPs, and the insecticide ATCBRA—commonly used for pest control—on the root system...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Nanomaterials |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/1/77 |
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| Summary: | We aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using <i>Elettaria cardamomum</i> (cardamom) extracts and assess the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the cardamom extract, <i>cardamom</i>–AgNPs, and the insecticide ATCBRA—commonly used for pest control—on the root system of <i>Vicia faba</i> (broad bean). The chemical composition of the aqueous cardamom extract was identified and quantified using GC-MS, revealing a variety of bioactive compounds also present in cardamom essential oil. These included α-terpinyl acetate (21.3–44.3%), 1,8-cineole (10.7–28.4%), and linalool (6.4–8.6%). The successful green synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed through various micro-spectroscopic techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). UV-Vis analysis showed a strong peak between 420 and 430 nm, indicating the presence of AgNPs. TEM imaging revealed that the synthesized <i>cardamom</i>–AgNPs were monodispersed, primarily spherical, and semi-uniform in shape, with minimal aggregation. EDS analysis further confirmed the composition of the nanoparticles, with <i>cardamom</i>–AgNPs comprising around 60.5% by weight. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by measuring the mitotic index (MI), and genotoxicity was assessed by observing chromosomal aberrations (CAs). The roots of <i>Vicia faba</i> were treated for 24 and 48 h with varying concentrations of ATCBRA pesticide (0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.7%), aqueous cardamom extract (3%, 4%, 5%, and 6%), and green-synthesized <i>cardamom</i>–AgNPs (12, 25, and 60 mg). The cytogenetic analysis of MI and CA in the meristematic root tips indicated an improvement in the evaluated parameters with the cardamom extract. However, a marked reduction in mitotic activity was observed with both ATCBRA and <i>cardamom</i>–AgNP treatments across both time points, highlighting potential cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. |
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| ISSN: | 2079-4991 |