Quercetagetin-Stabilized Silver Nanoparticles for the Oxidation of Morin.

Herein, we present a facile and convenient method for the preparation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the presence of quercetagetin, a unique plant flavonoid, as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The nanoparticles (Que-AgNPs) were characterized using UV–vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and dynamic light scattering techniques. Que-AgNPs display a spherical shape and a crystalline structure. The size of Que-AgNPs was calculated to be 93 ± 0.4 nm in diameter with polydispersity index value of 0.3. Que-AgNPs were evaluated as nanocatalysts in the oxidative degradation of morin with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The catalytic degradation of morin was completed within 20 min, demonstrating excellent catalytic properties for Que-AgNPs. Kinetic studies revealed that the reaction follows pseudo-first-order kinetics and the apparent rate constant (k_app) is positively correlated with the concentration of Que-AgNPs; however, k_app is inversely associated with the morin concentration. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of Que-AgNPs was evaluated by the cell viability test considering two cell lines, i.e., HeLa and MCF-7. The results show that Que-AgNPs possess dose-dependent cytotoxic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]