Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Mangifera indica Leaves and Their Antibacterial Efficacy Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

In recent years, the alarming rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections has emerged as a global public health threat, posing significant challenges to the efficacy of conventional antibiotics (World Health Organization, 2020). With the continued misuse and overuse of antibiotics in both clinical and agricultural settings, bacterial pathogens have developed sophisticated resistance mechanisms, rendering many first-line treatments ineffective (Shaaban et al., 2021). This crisis underscores the urgent need for alternative antimicrobial strategies, particularly those derived from natural sources that offer sustainable and potent bioactive compounds (Rakib-Uz-Zaman et al., 2022).

Plants have long been recognised for their potential as reservoirs of therapeutic agents, with numerous species exhibiting broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties (Choi et al., 2021). Mangifera indica, commonly known as the mango tree, is a member of the Anacardiaceae family and has been widely studied for its diverse phytochemical constituents (Garrido et al., 2019). Traditionally, mango leaves and other parts of the plant have been utilised in various medicinal systems to treat a wide range of ailments, from inflammatory conditions to microbial infections (Oves et al., 2022). Phytochemical studies on M indica have identified key bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, and alkaloids, all of which contribute to the plant's antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities (Shaaban et al., 2021).

Among the novel approaches for addressing MDR pathogens, the green synthesis of nanoparticles, particularly silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), has garnered significant attention (Khan et al., 2024). Silver has been well-documented for its potent antimicrobial effects, with nanoparticles offering enhanced surface area and reactivity compared to their bulk counterparts (Rakib-Uz-Zaman et al., 2022). The integration of plant-derived extracts in the synthesis of Ag-NPs represents an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach, utilising the plant's phytochemicals both as reducing and stabilising agents during nanoparticle formation (Choi et al., 2021). This ‘green chemistry’ method not only reduces the environmental impact associated with conventional chemical synthesis but also enhances the therapeutic potential of the nanoparticles through the synergistic actions of the plant's bioactive compounds (Oves et al., 2022).

The current study explores the green synthesis of Ag-NPs using leaf extracts from M indica and evaluates their antimicrobial efficacy against MDR bacterial isolates. The choice of M indica is driven by its rich phytochemical profile, which holds promise for augmenting the antimicrobial properties of Ag-NPs (Sharma et al., 2021). The study also aims to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the synthesised nanoparticles and compare their effectiveness against standard antibiotic treatments. This investigation is timely and critical, as it provides insights into alternative strategies for combating MDR pathogens, which are urgently needed in both clinical and environmental settings (Singh & Gupta, 2023).

By leveraging the natural resources provided by M indica and integrating them into advanced nanotechnological applications, this research seeks to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field of nanomedicine and antimicrobial resistance. The outcomes could pave the way for the development of new therapeutic agents that are both environmentally sustainable and highly effective against drug-resistant infections (Choi et al., 2021).

Advances in green synthesis have utilised microwave and ultrasound-assisted methods for better control over particle size and morphology (Nouri et al., 2020). The present study, using M indica, offers a simpler, cost-effective route with comparable results.

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