Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using NARC-G1 Garlic and Their Antimicrobial Potential

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has intensified the need for alternative antimicrobial agents. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant-derived materials offers a sustainable approach to developing nanomaterials with antimicrobial activity. This study aimed to synthesize AgNPs using NARC-G1 garlic (Allium sativum) extract and evaluate their physicochemical characteristics, hemolytic and antioxidant properties, and antibacterial activity against standard and multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains. G1-AgNPs were synthesized using aqueous NARC-G1 garlic extract and 10 mM silver nitrate (AgNO₃) under varying pH, temperature, and incubation conditions. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and particle-size analysis. Hemolytic activity was evaluated using human erythrocytes, antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical-scavenging assay, and antibacterial activity was determined using agar well diffusion and broth dilution assays against American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and MDR bacterial strains. Optimal synthesis was achieved at pH 10 and 40°C after 7–8 h, with a characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 420 nm. FTIR analysis indicated the involvement of hydroxyl, carbonyl, amine, and sulfur-containing functional groups in nanoparticle formation and stabilization. XRD confirmed a crystalline face-centered cubic structure, while particle-size analysis showed prominent populations of approximately 0.8 and 10–15 nm. Hemolytic activity increased with concentration, ranging from 4% at 7.5 µg/mL to 51% at 250 µg/mL. DPPH radical-scavenging activity reached 48% at 250 µg/mL. G1-AgNPs exhibited concentration-dependent antibacterial activity against both ATCC and MDR strains, with inhibition of up to 97% against Proteus spp. and 96% against Salmonella spp. at 125 µg/mL. NARC-G1 garlic-mediated AgNPs demonstrated successful green synthesis, defined physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant activity, and broad-spectrum antibacterial effects against MDR bacteria. The concentration-dependent hemolytic response indicates that biological activity should be evaluated alongside safety parameters when considering their potential antimicrobial applications.