Biological Properties Of Euterpe oleracea Using Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs)

Abstract

Because of their therapeutic potential, biocompatibility, and relative lack of environmental impact, nanoparticles synthesised from plants are attracting increasing attention in the fields of nanotechnology and phytomedicine. Euterpe oleracea, or açaí, is a fruit famous for its high antioxidant content, and this research examines its biological characteristics in relation to its application in the environmentally friendly production of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). A green way to make gold nanoparticles was to use an aqueous extract of Euterpe oleracea, which acts as both a reducing agent and a capping agent. Comprehensive characterisation using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) confirmed the production, size distribution, crystalline structure, and surface chemistry of the synthesised AuNPs. Afterwards, a battery of in vitro tests were used to assess the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer capabilities of the biologically produced AuNPs. Testing for antioxidant activity using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging techniques showed a strong ability to suppress free radicals. When tested against a variety of harmful Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, the antibacterial potential demonstrated substantial bactericidal effects. Furthermore, the cytotoxic effect of the AuNPs was shown to decrease cell survival in a dose-dependent way when tested against certain human cancer cell lines, such as MCF-7 and HeLa. Normal cells were found to be unaffected by this activity. Phytochemicals and gold nanoparticles have synergistic effects, and the results show that AuNPs mediated by Euterpe oleracea have substantial biological activity. Sustainable, plant-based nanotherapeutics with potential uses in antioxidant therapy, antimicrobial therapies, and cancer management might be developed as a result of this work, which also emphasises the medicinal significance of Euterpe oleracea in nanotechnology.