Abstract
In the present research, a rapid, simple and efficient green method is used for the incorporation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) to create biocatalysts with excellent properties for pharmaceutical purpose. In the first phase, Caralluma tuberculata capped AgNPs (Ca-AgNPs) were prepared using green synthetic approach and in the second phase Caralluma tuberculata capped AgNPs were hybridized with poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate to form PEGMA-AgNPs. Both the virgin (naked or uncapped) and polymer-capped materials were characterized spectroscopically and their results were compared. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed no new peak after the capping procedure, showing that only physical interactions takes place during capping. After PEGMA capping, the spectra of the AgNPs red shifted (from 450 nm to 520 nm) and the overall particle size of AgNPs increased. Catalytic activity of the nanoparticles and hybrid system were tested by choosing the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) as a model reaction. Both synthesized NPs and polymer capped NPs exhibits catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-NP to 4-aminophenol. The polymer hybrid exhibits remarkable antiproliferative, antioxidant, cytotoxic, antidiabetic and antileishmanial activities.