Cytotoxic effect of synthesized silver nanoparticles on normal human gingival fibroblast GF01 cells

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) represents one of the most economical, simple, and eco-friendly method other than chemically based synthesis. Many studies used various plant extracts for AgNPs synthesis to evaluate their anticancer or cytotoxic potentials. Taif governate is a high-altitude region of Saudi Arabia with a great diversity of plants with different medicinal value. In the present study Olea chrysophylla and Lavandula dentata L. leaves extracts were used for biological synthesis of AgNPs, while trisodium citrate was used for chemical synthesis. Characterization of synthesized silver nanoparticles was done using zeta potential, average size distribution, SEM, XRD, and FTIR techniques. Cytotoxicity assay was done to evaluate their effect on normal human gingival fibroblast GF01 cells. We have succeeded in biological and chemical synthesis of AgNPs that was determined by color change, with crystalline shape that confirmed by SEM and XRD. FTIR confirms the functional groups that are responsible for AgNPs capping and stabilization due to their synthesis. It was reported that Chem-AgNPs (62.62nm) has the smallest size due to its highest negativity (-50 mV) then Lav-AgNPs (284.5 nm), and Olea-AgNPs (328.6 nm). In addition, Chem-AgNPs shows the least toxicity on normal GF01 cells with concentrations (IC50= 489.73μg/ml), then Olea AgNPs (IC50= 186.51μg/ml), while Lav-AgNPs (IC50= 44.95μg/ml) shows the greatest toxicity on normal cells. In conclusion, surprisingly, Chem-AgNPs shows lower cytotoxic effect with its smaller size than biologically synthesized AgNPs due to trisodium citrate reduction effect that gives a good challenge for AgNPs safe chemical synthesis.