β-cyclodextrin-capped silver nanoparticles synthesised from Peganum harmala L. for sustainable crop protection with antimicrobial and larvicidal effects against phytopathogens and Spodoptera exigua
Source abstract
Abstract
The present study reports the green synthesis and characterisation of β-cyclodextrin-capped silver nanoparticles (β-CD@AgNPs) using Peganum harmala L. fruit extract as both a reducing and stabilising agent. Multiple spectroscopic and microscopic techniques confirmed the nanoparticles. UV-visible analysis revealed surface plasmon resonance bands at 405 and 549 nm, confirming AgNP formation and β-CD mediated stabilisation. FTIR spectra indicated the involvement of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and glycosidic functional groups in nanoparticle capping, while XRD confirmed crystalline, face-centred cubic AgNPs with additional β-CD peaks. TEM analysis showed well-dispersed spherical nanoparticles sized 4-24 nm, while DLS and zeta potential analyses confirmed colloidal stability (-26.8 mV). The antimicrobial activity of β-CD@AgNPs demonstrated strong inhibitory effects against plant pathogens, including Xanthomonas campestris, Pseudomonas syringae, Bacillus subtilis, and Aspergillus niger in a dose-dependent manner, with low MIC and MBC/MFC values indicating potent bactericidal and fungicidal activity. Insecticidal bioassays against Spodoptera exigua revealed significant concentration- and time-dependent larval mortality, reduced leaf consumption, and strong feeding deterrence. LD50 and LT50 values confirmed enhanced toxicity with prolonged exposure and higher concentrations. The findings highlight that β-CD@AgNPs exhibit dual antimicrobial and larvicidal activities, offering an eco-friendly, sustainable alternative to conventional pesticides and chemical agents. The synergistic role of β-CD enhanced nanoparticle stability, dispersibility, and bioavailability, contributing to prolonged biological efficacy. Thus, β-CD@AgNPs synthesised from P. harmala L. fruit extract hold promise as green nanobiopesticides for integrated crop protection and plant disease management.
Source: europepmc · Quality: candidate unverified · Source record ↗
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Synthesis and bioactivity of alkaloids · Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications · Phytochemical compounds biological activities
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
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