Autoclave‐assisted synthesis of AgNPs in Z. officinale extract and assessment of their cytotoxicity, antibacterial and antioxidant activities

In this study, the authors synthesised silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using autoclave as a simple, unique and eco‐friendly approach. The effect of Zingiber officinale extract was evaluated as a reducing and stabiliser agent. According to transmission electron microscopy results, the AgNPs were in the spherical shape with a particle size of ∼17 nm. The biomedical properties of AgNPs as antibacterial agents and free radical scavenging activity were estimated. Synthesised AgNPs showed significant 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl free radical scavenging. Strong bactericidal activity was shown by the AgNPs on Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. A maximum inhibition zone of ∼14 mm was obtained for epidermidis at a concentration of 60 μg/ml for sample fabricated at 24 h. The AgNPs also showed a significant cytotoxic effect against MCF‐7 breast cancer cell lines with an half maximal inhibitory concentration value of 62 μg/ml in 24 h by the MTT assay. It could be concluded that Z. officinale extract can be used effectively in the production of potential antioxidant and antimicrobial AgNPs for commercial application.