Herein, we present a facile and convenient
method for the preparation
of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the presence of quercetagetin,
a unique plant flavonoid, as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The
nanoparticles (Que-AgNPs) were characterized using UV–vis spectroscopy,
transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy,
X-ray diffraction, and dynamic light scattering techniques. Que-AgNPs
display a spherical shape and a crystalline structure. The size of
Que-AgNPs was calculated to be 93 ± 0.4 nm in diameter with polydispersity
index value of 0.3. Que-AgNPs were evaluated as nanocatalysts in the
oxidative degradation of morin with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The catalytic degradation of morin was completed
within 20 min, demonstrating excellent catalytic properties for Que-AgNPs.
Kinetic studies revealed that the reaction follows pseudo-first-order kinetics and the apparent rate constant (k
app) is positively correlated with the concentration of
Que-AgNPs; however, k
app is inversely
associated with the morin concentration. Moreover, the cytotoxicity
of Que-AgNPs was evaluated by the cell viability test considering
two cell lines, i.e., HeLa and MCF-7. The results show that Que-AgNPs
possess dose-dependent cytotoxic activity.