Evaluation of the Antimycobacterial efficacy of Silver, Gold and Bimetallic Nanoparticles synthesized using Indian medicinal plants

Gopinath Ramalingam^1*, Gowsalya Saminathan², Elanchezhiyan Manickan³

Nanoparticles from medicinal plants, particularly A. indica, show promising anti-TB activity, potentially offering a novel alternative TB therapy.

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), is the second most fatal infectious disease after AIDS. The rise of multi- and extensively drug-resistant TB poses a significant global health threat, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies. Nanomaterials have emerged as promising tools in medicine, diagnosis, and treatment. Traditional medicinal plants have long been used to treat TB, and this study investigates the anti-mycobacterial activity and cytotoxicity of nanoparticles synthesized from Indian medicinal plants. Methods: Silver (AgNPs), gold (AuNPs), and bimetallic (AuNPs-AgNPs) nanoparticles were synthesized using extracts from Andrographis paniculata, Acalypha indica, and Aloe vera. The anti-TB activity of these nanoparticles was evaluated using the Microplate Alamar Blue Assay at concentrations of 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 μg/mL. Cytotoxicity was assessed on the Vero cell line using the MTT assay. Results: The bimetallic nanoparticles (AuNPs-AgNPs) demonstrated superior anti-TB activity compared to the mono-metallic nanoparticles. Among the mono-metallic nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles showed better efficacy than silver nanoparticles. A. indica-derived Au-AgNPs exhibited the most potent anti-TB activity, with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and no cytotoxicity at effective concentrations. A. paniculata nanoparticles were moderately effective, while A. vera nanoparticles showed the least efficacy against MTB. Conclusion: A. indica appears to be the most promising candidate for further study due to its potent anti-TB efficacy and lack of cytotoxicity. A. paniculata also shows potential, whereas A. vera demonstrates minimal effectiveness against MTB. This study suggests that nanoparticle-based therapy could be a viable alternative for TB treatment.

 Keywords: Tuberculosis, H37Rv, Andrographis paniculata, Acalypha indica and Aloevera.

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