Ag/ZnO nanodots from Artemisia austroyunnanensis as antibacterial and anticancer agents against human neuroblastoma cells.

The green synthesis of multifunctional Ag/ZnO nanodots using Artemisia austroyunnanensis leaf extract was explored for their antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Characterization techniques confirmed the successful synthesis of nanodots with a nanoscale size (9.02 ± 1.58 nm), high crystallinity, and distinct ZnO and Ag phases. The synthesized nanodots exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with the largest zone of inhibition observed for Salmonella typhimurium (21 ± 1 mm at 300 µg/mL). Antioxidant assays demonstrated robust free radical scavenging activity, particularly in the ABTS assay (IC50 = 31.85 ± 0.75 µg/mL), attributed to the synergistic effects of ZnO, Ag, and bioactive plant compounds. Cytotoxicity against SHSY5Y neuroblastoma cells revealed dose-dependent activity, with an IC50 value of 193.23 µg/mL, underscoring their potential as anticancer agents. Molecular docking studies highlighted strong binding affinities of Artemisia phytochemicals, particularly artemisinin (- 9.1 kcal/mol), with the p53 tumor suppressor protein, validating their therapeutic potential. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of biogenic Ag/ZnO nanodots as eco-friendly, multifunctional therapeutic agents for bacterial infections and neuroblastoma treatment, offering an innovative approach in sustainable nanomedicine.