Application of response surface methodology for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Prunus mahaleb L.

The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) utilizing plant extracts offers an environmentally sustainable alternative for applications in industry and agriculture. In the present study, Prunus mahaleb L. was selected as a plant source for green synthesis of AgNPs. Prior to green synthesis, the bioactive characteristics of P. mahaleb L. were ascertained, and then response surface methodology was employed to establish the conditions for the green synthesis of AgNPs utilizing mahaleb extract. The central composite design generated 13 experimental points based on the factors: concentration of silver nitrate (X1) and volume of mahaleb extract (X2). The bioactive potential of mahaleb was quantified as follows: total phenolic content at 21.44±0.047 mg GAE/g, total antioxidant capacity at 20.94±0.262 mg TE/g for DPPH, 47.82±0.034 mg TE/g for CUPRAC, 34.70±0.070 mg TE/g for FRAP, and total flavonoid content at 33.20±0.117 mg CE/g. The hydrodynamic diameters (HD) and zeta potentials (ZP) of AgNPs derived from the experimental design ranged from 90.70±1.18 nm to 225.10±1.26 nm and from -23.40±1.28 mV to -17.80±0.61 mV, respectively. The optimal condition for the minimum hydrodynamic diameter (HD) was determined to be an estimated value of 89.17 nm and an actual HD value of 92.41±0.745 nm, achieved at an AgNO3 concentration of 2.40 mM and a mahaleb volume of 5.08 mL. The study's findings indicated that mahaleb seeds can facilitate the generation of AgNPs through green synthesis.