Bifunctional applications of Laurus nobilis-derived silver nanoparticles: From catalytic synthesis of aminoindolizines to cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells

We report the green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) mediated by Laurus nobilis leaf extract. Comprehensive structural analysis (UV-Vis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the successful formation of a stable AgNPs/ L. nobilis composite. TEM analysis revealed the particle size being 25-30 nm. As a heterogeneous catalyst, the nanocomposite facilitated the efficient, high-yield synthesis of aminoindolizines via A 3 -coupling (yield 90-96%), exhibiting excellent stability across 8 recycling runs. Furthermore, the biomedical potential of the Ag NPs was evaluated against breast cancer models. The nanoparticles demonstrated significant, dose-dependent antiproliferative activity against Michigan cancer foundation - 7 (MCF-7) and M D Anderson - metastatic breast – 231 (MDA-MB-231) cell lines (IC50​: 197 and 205 µg/mL, respectively) with negligible toxicity toward normal cells. Complemented by potent antioxidant activity (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) IC50​: 190 µg/mL), these results highlight the dual utility of L. nobilis -derived AgNPs as efficient catalysts and promising anticancer agents.