Anabaena sp. A‐1 mediated molybdenum oxide nanoparticles: A novel frontier in green synthesis, characterization and pharmaceutical properties
Authors: Malik Hafiza Aliya , Minhas Lubna Anjum , Hassan Muhammad Waqar , Kaleem Muhammad , Aslam Faiqa , Mumtaz Abdul Samad 
Published: April 2024

Green‐synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles have garnered considerable attention due to their simple, sustainable, and eco‐friendly attributes, coupled with their diverse applications in biomedicine and environmental context. The current study shows a sustainable approach for synthesizing molybdenum oxide nanoparticles (MoONPs) utilizing an extract from Anabaena sp. A‐1. This novel approach marks a significant milestone as various spectral approaches were employed for characterization of the green‐synthesized MoONPs. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopic analysis revealed a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak of MoONPs at 538 nm. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis facilitated the identification of functional groups responsible for both the stability and production of MoONPs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized revealing a rod shape morphology of the MoONPs. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis yielded a calculated crystal size of 31 nm, indicating the crystalline nature of MoONPs. Subsequently, biological assays were employed to ascertain the potential of the bioengineered MoONPs. The 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was used to quantify free radical scavenging activity, revealing an antioxidant capacity of 68.1% at 200 μg/mL. To evaluate antibacterial and antifungal efficacy, the disc diffusion method was employed across varying concentrations of MoONPs (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200 μg/mL). Quantification of cytotoxicity was performed via a brine shrimp assay, yielding an IC50 value of 552.3 μg/mL, a metric of moderate cytotoxicity. To assess the biocompatibility of MoONPs, an antihemolytic assay was conducted, confirming their safety profile. Additionally, MoONPs exhibited non‐toxic attributes in an insecticidal assay. Notably, in anti‐inflammatory assay MoONPs showed an inactive nature towards the reactive oxygen species. In conclusion, these findings highlight the potential versatility of MoONPs in various biological applications, extending beyond their recognized anti‐inflammatory and insecticidal properties.

Research Highlights

This study marks an advancement in nanotechnology, exploring ways for MoONPs fabrication, representing a unique and unexplored research domain.

Green‐synthesized MoONPs using Anabaena sp. A‐1 extract offers a sustainable and eco‐friendly approach. Characterized by UV–Vis, FTIR, SEM, and XRD, MoONPs demonstrate rod‐shaped morphology and crystalline nature.

Bioengineered MoONPs exhibit versatility in biological applications, demonstrating notable antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal efficacy, moderate cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, and insecticidal properties, emphasizing their multifaceted utility.

The research findings highlight the potential utilization of MoONPs across a spectrum of biological applications, thereby suggesting their promising role in the realm of biomedicine and environmental context.