Surface and Bulk Characterization of Biocompatible Collagen and Dihydroquercetin Conjugates With Silver Nanoparticles and Their Biological Activity

Using the method of metal‐vapor synthesis (MVS), new hybrid materials based on collagen (Coll) and conjugates of dihydroquercetin (DHQ) with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were obtained. The MVS is an efficient route for the purposeful synthesis of metallic nanoparticles and their derived composites. AgNPs nanoparticles synthesized in 2‐propanol were used to prepare dihydroquercetin‐silver conjugate (AgNPs@DHQ) and collagen‐dihydroquercetin‐silver conjugate (Coll‐AgNPs@DHQ). The nanocomposites were characterized using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Minimum inhibitory concentrations against E. coli and B. cereus were determined to evaluate the antibacterial activities of the nanocomposites. MTT, Neutral red uptake, and colony‐forming efficiency assays were applied to characterize the cytotoxicity and antitumor potential of the new hybrid nanomaterials. ABTS radical scavenging activity assay was performed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the synthesized samples. In AgNPs, only the Ag 0 state was found, while in AgNPs@DHQ, two different Ag 0 and one Ag + states were found. The AgNPs@DHQ sample showed general cytotoxicity inhibiting the metabolic activity and vitality of both normal and tumor human cell types, while Coll‐AgNPs@DHQ demonstrated good biocompatibility, selective antitumor properties, and improved antioxidative potential. These findings highlight the potential of the synthesized Coll‐AgNPs@DHQ nanocomposite for biomedical and healthcare applications.