Phytochemistry of Centaurea saligna: Silver nanoparticle synthesis, quantification of natural compounds, antioxidant and antibacterial activity

Nanotechnology, which has widespread application areas, is a significant discipline of science. Due to the widespread application of nanoparticles, many studies have been executed. Herein, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs@cs) were produced via leaves of Centaurea saligna , and quantification of phenolics existing in leaves was established by LC-MS/MS. Furthermore, antioxidant and antibacterial activities were displayed for both extract and nanoparticles. The analytical techniques, including FTIR, UV-VIS, XRD, and TEM, were employed to elucidate the structure. Moreover, the stability was ascertained by Zeta potential. Scutellarin (8.67 mg/g extract), shikimic acid (3.97), and chrysin (2.67) were found as major compounds by LC-MS/MS. In DPPH radical scavenging activity, AgNPs@cs displayed an excellent effect (IC _50, µg/mL, 9.27 ± 0.14) in association to BHT (12.45 ± 0.41, IC _50, µg/mL). In addition, AgNPs@cs revealed good activity against the bacteria tested. The absorption in UV-Vis analysis at 441 nm displayed nanoparticle formation. The size of the nanoparticle was calculated using TEM and XRD measurements, which were 16.2 nm and 18.5 nm, respectively. The zeta potential measurement confirmed the stability. It may be possible to use Centaurea saligna in the production of foods and medications.