GREEN SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION, DETERMINATION OF ANTI MICROBIAL AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF SILVER AND IRON BIMETALLIC NANOPARTICLES FROM CALOTROPIS PROCERA

Nanotechnology represents one of the most dynamic fields of modern science, enabling the creation of materials with novel properties and wide-ranging applications. Among these, nanoparticles are especially important because of their enhanced physicochemical characteristics such as large surface area, high reactivity, and tunable stability. Silver-Iron nanoparticles (Ag-FeNPs) have recently attracted significant attention due to their remarkable antimicrobial, antioxidant, and therapeutic potential. This research explored the green synthesis of Ag-FeNPs using aqueous extract of Calotropis procera leaves, a plant naturally rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, and saponins. The plant extract simultaneously acted as a reducing and stabilizing agent, eliminating the use of toxic chemicals while offering a simple, sustainable, and cost-effective synthesis route. The synthesized nanoparticles were subjected to multiple characterization techniques. UV–Visible spectroscopy confirmed nanoparticle formation through a surface plasmon resonance peak at 340 nm. FTIR analysis revealed the involvement of hydroxyl, alkyl, and polyphenolic functional groups in reduction and stabilization. SEM micrographs indicated predominantly spherical particles with porous surfaces, enhancing their surface activity and potential for drug delivery. EDX results confirmed Silver and Iron as the major constituents, accompanied by biomolecular residues from C. procera. Biological assays highlighted the multifunctionality of the Ag-FeNPs. Antibacterial studies against Staphylococcus aureus showed strong inhibitory activity, with larger inhibition zones than those produced by gentamicin at equivalent concentrations. Antioxidant assays (DPPH and ABTS) demonstrated high radical scavenging capacity, with lower IC50 values compared to ascorbic acid, confirming superior oxidative stress reduction. Furthermore, α-amylase inhibition assays established the antidiabetic potential of Ag-FeNPs, which displayed greater inhibitory activity than acarbose, a standard drug for controlling postprandial glucose levels. This study establishes that Calotropis procera-mediated Ag- FeNPs are biocompatible, eco-friendly, and multifunctional nanomaterials with significant promise in pharmaceuticals, food preservation, and environmental applications. The green synthesis pathway emphasizes sustainability while producing nanoparticles with strong antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties. These findings contribute to the growing evidence that plant-based nanoparticle synthesis offers a viable, low-cost, and environmentally safe approach to advancing nanotechnology for global health and environmental management