Sapota fruit latex mediated synthesis of Ag, Cu mono and bimetallic nanoparticles and their in vitro toxicity studies

Ag, Cu metallic and bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) with diverse compositions were efficiently synthesized using the fruit latex of Achras sapota Linn. Spectroscopic and cyclic voltammetry results suggested that reduction of Ag was assisted by ascorbic acid, reducing sugars and other phenolic compounds present in the latex. However, the reduction of Cu and alloy NPs required additional ascorbic acid. Comparative in vitro toxicity of as synthesized nanoparticle solution was assessed in 3T3L1 cells using MTT assay and fluorescent microscopy. A minimal impact was observed on cell viability and morphology during 72 h. This demonstrates great potential for use in biomedical applications such as cellular imaging or photothermal therapy.