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 (kapp) is positively correlated with the concentration of Que-AgNPs; however, kapp 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.