Nanotechnology World Conference 2026

Abstract

The increasing generation of agro industrial waste and the global rise in antimicrobial resistance demand sustainable and translational nanotechnology solutions. Empty fruit bunches (EFB), a major by product of palm oil processing, represent an underutilized biomass that poses environmental disposal challenges. This study reports the first successful green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using EFB extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent, transforming agricultural waste into high value biomedical nanomaterials within a circular bioeconomy framework.
Biosynthesis was achieved via aqueous extraction followed by silver ion reduction under controlled conditions. UV Visible spectroscopy revealed a characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 477 nm, confirming nanoparticle formation. FTIR analysis demonstrated the involvement of hydroxyl and amine functional groups in nanoparticle stabilization, indicating phytochemical mediated reduction. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed spherical nanoparticles with size distribution ranging from 12.78 to 19.10 nm. Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) patterns confirmed a face centered cubic (FCC) crystalline structure, while EDX analysis revealed a dominant silver content of 75.56, confirming high purity.
Biomedical evaluation demonstrated broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. EFB AgNPs inhibited Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a dose-dependent manner (40 to 80% inhibition). Complete inhibition (100%) was observed against Aspergillus niger, A. fumigatus, and A. flavus. Mechanistic assessment suggests that reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, membrane disruption, and oxidative stress contribute to microbial cell damage.
Antioxidant activity was concentration dependent across multiple assays. DPPH scavenging reached 81.49% at 160 µg/mL  ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) achieved 90.05% at 150 µg/mL hydrogen peroxide scavenging reached 91.00% at 80 µg/mL  and nitric oxide scavenging peaked at 83.43% at 150 µg/mL. Additionally, EFB AgNPs demonstrated promising antidiabetic potential via α-amylase inhibition (74.64 at 100 µg mL). Hemocompatibility assays further revealed anticoagulant and thrombolytic activities, suggesting possible application in vascular related therapeutic systems.
This study establishes a sustainable waste to nanomaterial platform, demonstrating that agro industrial residues can be valorized into multifunctional nanomaterials with antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and hemostatic applications. The findings contribute to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well being), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by integrating green chemistry, nanotechnology, and waste valorization strategies.