Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles of UAE Native Plant and their Antimicrobial Potential
This research explores the sustainable, light-induced green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using callus cultures from Tephrosia apollinea, a medicinal plant native to the United Arab Emirates. Traditional nanoparticle synthesis often relies on toxic chemical reagents and high energy consumption. Conversely, plant-mediated green synthesis offers eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives by leveraging natural bioactive metabolites as reducing and capping agents. This study specifically integrates local ethnobotanical knowledge with modern nanotechnology to address the growing global challenge of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The experimental framework involved the in vitro germination of T. apollinea seeds and subsequent callus induction from root, stem, and leaf explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with growth regulators. A significant challenge encountered during this phase was high microbial contamination, attributed to latent endophytic microorganisms within the plant tissues that proliferate in nutrient-rich media. Despite these obstacles, viable callus lines were established and subjected to controlled 630 nm red light treatment to evaluate its impact on biomass production and metabolic activity. Results indicated that red light exposure significantly enhanced callus growth, leading to larger, more proliferative tissue masses compared to control samples maintained under standard conditions. Morphological analysis showed that treated calli exhibited increased surface irregularities and variations in pigmentation, suggesting stimulated cellular proliferation and altered secondary metabolism. The biosynthesis of AgNPs was conducted using ethanolic extracts from these callus cultures. UV-Visible spectroscopic analysis confirmed the successful formation of nanoparticles in extracts derived from red light-treated root callus, characterized by a distinct absorbance peak between 290–300 nm. In contrast, control root extracts failed to produce a similar peak, indicating that red light treatment effectively enhanced the reducing capacity of the plant metabolites. While nanoparticle formation was not consistent across all samples, likely due to variations in metabolite concentration and the need for further parameter optimization, this study demonstrates the feasibility of using light-mediated callus cultures as a renewable "bio-factory." These findings provide a foundation for future development of sustainable antimicrobial agents derived from regional flora.

