Abstract

Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) are minute silver particles with sizes ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers. Due to their unique physical, chemical, and biological properties, AgNPs have found a broad spectrum of applications in various fields that directly and indirectly impact human lives. Their significance is rooted in their nanoscale dimensions, high surface area, and diverse functionalities, which enable them to provide innovative solutions to critical challenges in fields like healthcare and industry.

The present work deals with the synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Sonochemically using Trisodium Citrate (acting both as capping agent as well as reducing agent) and Sodium Borohydride (acting as reducing agent only). Synthesized AgNPs were characterised by UV-Vis Spectroscopy, TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope) and SAED (Selective area electron diffraction) images.

The Antifilarial Efficacy as well as mechanism of action were studied on filarial nematode Setaria cervi. Antifilarial activity of these AgNPs were assessed by various techniques such as Relative Movability (RM), MTT assay, Dye Exclusion test, Propidium iodide (PI) staining and DNA Fragmentation assay. RM assessment confirms that all the nanoparticles show time-dependent Antifilarial Effect. Using MTT assay, the effects of silver nanoparticles on the viability of Microfilariae were studied. Parasite viability was checked by Trypan Blue Dye Exclusion test, which dyes the dead oocytes selectively whereas live oocytes remained colourless. AgNP-treated oocytes were stained blue. Using PI staining, fragmented nuclear morphology resulted in AgNP treated oocytes, but no such fragmentation was observed in control oocytes (i.e. oocytes which are not treated by AgNP). It can thus be concluded that AgNPs possess strong macro- and micro-antifilarial activity against S. cervi.

The Antibacterial Activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated against Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) using Paper Disc Diffusion Method. The Antibacterial Study showed that the AgNPs are positive and have profound Antibacterial Activity and the nanoparticles were found to be effective against these two bacteria.