Abstract
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extracts offers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical methods, yet the anticancer potential of many medicinal plants remains unexplored. This study explores the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the aqueous extract of Vangueria infausta and their cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cells. Synthesised AgNPs were characterised using UV-vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). These nanoparticles were further analysed for their mechanisms of cell death and cell viability using flow cytometry and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurements. UV-Vis confirmed AgNP formation at 450 nm, revealing circular nanoparticles (17.6 nm) with a silver absorption peak at 3 keV. Colloidal stability was demonstrated by zeta potentials of –29.3 mV (pH 6.6, tumour environment) and –30.6 mV (pH 7.4, physiological state), with hydrodynamic diameters of 172 and 173.7, respectively. FTIR showed functional groups (O-H, C=O, C-H, C=O and C-N) at corresponding absorption bands. These results confirm the successful synthesis of silver nanoparticles from V. infausta leaves and highlight their potential as an anticancer agent.