This study aimed to synthesize banana (Musa acuminata ) leaf extract-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), comprehensively characterize their structural and optical properties, and evaluate their multifunctional biological and photocatalytic activities. AgNPs were synthesized using Musa acuminata leaf extract using microwave-assisted reduction approach. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystalline structure with an average crystallite size of approximately 46.7 nm, consistent with JCPDS card no. 04–0783. FTIR analysis demonstrated the role of flavonoids and phenolic compounds as reducing and capping agents. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus , strong antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans , and moderate antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 64.44 μg/mL). BET analysis indicated a specific surface area of 38.64 m 2 /g, total pore volume of 0.2184 cm 3 /g, and a primary BJH pore diameter of 12.4 nm, with a Type IV isotherm and H3-type hysteresis loop; these textural features are consistent with, but not definitive proof of, an ordered mesoporous architecture, and their relevance to catalytic and biomedical performance requires direct experimental validation. Preliminary in vitro anticancer evaluation demonstrated cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines with IC₅₀ values of ~95 μg/mL and ~ 88 μg/mL, respectively (normal-cell selectivity not yet tested). Anti-ulcer studies using the pylorus ligation model revealed a significant, dose-dependent reduction in ulcer index, and photocatalytic experiments showed efficient decolorization (>92%) of methylene blue and methyl red dyes under UV irradiation within 90 min, pending confirmation of complete mineralization. These preliminary findings support the potential of Musa acuminata leaf extract-derived AgNPs as multifunctional nanomaterials for biomedical and environmental applications.
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Blessymol et al. (2026) studied this question.