DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings
Document Type
Paper Presentation
Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)
Palcongan, Abegail B.
Abstract/Executive Summary
The use of green-synthesized nanoparticles offers a promising route toward eco-friendly and biocompatible alternatives in biomedical research. This study aimed to assess the cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesized from Ageratina riparia extract. Given the growing interest in plant-mediated nanoparticle synthesis for safe therapeutic applications, evaluating their biological effects is crucial. The extract was obtained through maceration of 60 g of powdered leaves, and green synthesis was conducted using silver nitrate solutions (1 mM, 3 mM, 5 mM). The mixtures were boiled to isolate nanoparticle pellets, which were then redispersed in distilled water for use as treatment liquids in the Allium cepa assay. Ten experimental groups, each with two biological replicates, were soaked at 2-hour and 4-hours intervals. Results showed that all concentrations of A. riparia-mediated AgNPs were non-cytotoxic, exhibiting no dose-dependent toxicity, while the positive control (0.7% H₂O₂) caused complete chromosomal aberrations. The findings suggest that biosynthesized AgNPs are stable and biocompatible, contributing new evidence to the safety profile of green-synthesized nanoparticles. These results support the potential practical use of A. riparia-based AgNPs in applications requiring low toxicity.
Keywords
Ageratina riparia; biosynthesis; silver nanoparticles; cytotoxicity; Allium cepa assay