Sono-Biosynthesis and Characterization of AuNPs from Danube Delta Nymphaea alba Root Extracts and Their Biological Properties

Researchers discovered that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized from Nymphaea alba root extracts in the Danube Delta exhibit enhanced antimicrobial and anticancer properties, particularly when smaller in size. Using an eco-friendly sono-biosynthesis method, they produced AuNPs with varying sizes (32–280 nm) by adjusting pH, sonication time, and gold-to-extract ratio. The smallest nanoparticles (AuNPR4), obtained at a higher pH (7.8) and longer sonication (40 min), showed the strongest biological activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and A2780 ovarian cancer cells. Characterization revealed interactions with polyphenols, confirming their antioxidant potential while highlighting the role of synthesis conditions in nanoparticle efficacy.

Cudalbeanu, M., Peitinho, D., Silva, F., Marques, R., Pinheiro, T., Ferreira, A. C., Marques, F., Paulo, A., Soeiro, C. F., Sousa, S. A., Leitão, J. H., Tăbăcaru, A., Avramescu, S. M., Dinica, R. M., & Campello, M. P. C. (2021). Sono-Biosynthesis and Characterization of AuNPs from Danube Delta Nymphaea alba Root Extracts and Their Biological Properties. Nanomaterials, 11(6), 1562. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11061562