Green synthesis of pectin-functionalized silver nanocomposites using Carpesium nepalense and evaluation its bactericidal kinetics and hepatoprotective mechanisms.

ABSTRACT

The present study reports the green synthesis of pectin-fabricated silver nanocomposites (Pectin-AgNPs) using Carpesium nepalense leaves extract, evaluating their bactericidal kinetics, in vivo hepatoprotective, and cytotoxic potentials along with possible mechanisms. GC/MS and LC/MS analyses revealed novel phytochemicals in the plant extract. The Pectin-AgNPs were characterized using UV/Vis, AFM, SEM, TEM, DLS, FTIR, and EDX techniques, showing a spherical morphology with a uniform size range of 50-110 nm. Significant antibacterial activity (P < 0.005) was found against four bacterial strains with ZIs of 4.1 ± 0.15 to 27.2 ± 3.84 mm. AFM studies revealed significant bacterial cell membrane damage post-treatment. At 0.05 mg/kg, the nanocomposites showed significant (P < 0.005) hepatoprotective activity in biochemical and histopathology analyses compared to the CCl4 control group. Pectin-AgNPs significantly reduced (P < 0.005) LDH, AST, ALT, ALP, and DB levels. qPCR analysis showed ameliorative effects on PPARs and Nrf2 gene expression, restoring gene alterations caused by CCl4 intoxication. In vivo acute toxicity studies confirmed low toxicity of Pectin-AgNPs in major organs. Pectin-AgNPs exhibited cytotoxic activity against HeLa cell lines at higher doses with an LC50 of 223.7 µg/mL. These findings demonstrate the potential of Pectin-AgNPs as promising antibacterial, hepatoprotective, and cytotoxic agents.