A greener path: Gold nanoparticles biosynthesised with banana extract show cosmetic benefits

The Thai study claims to have developed an environmentally friendly method for creating gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using an ethanolic extract of green bananas (Musa sapientum), which acts as both a reducing and capping agent.

Using banana peel extract to create AuNPs has demonstrated strong antibacterial and antibiofilm properties, making it effective against bacteria that are resistant to multiple drugs.

Microscopic images showed that the nanoparticles caused disruptions and changes in the structure of the biofilms, hindering their formation.

Biofilm-associated infections are a common problem in infectious diseases and contribute to antibiotic resistance.

The nanoparticles also exhibited antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities, which means they could help reduce oxidative stress and inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the production of melanin.

Additionally, the AuNPs displayed significant biological activities, such as reducing free radicals and inflammation, which are commonly linked to skin ageing issues.

The nanoparticles significantly reduced the production of nitric oxide, a molecule involved in inflammation, in stimulated cells.

They also did not show any toxic effects on fibroblast cells, which are a type of cells involved in wound healing.

Furthermore, the nanoparticles exhibited excellent physical properties and high stability.

A valuable cosmetic ingredient?​

Overall, the study found that gold nanoparticles synthesized using green banana extract had various beneficial properties.

With these findings, the researchers suggested that the biosynthesized gold nanoparticles could have potential applications in controlling infections and promoting wound healing.

AuNPs are considered to be valuable as a cosmetic ingredient, having strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Previous research found that ethanol was a more effective solvent for extracting beneficial compounds from banana peels, such as glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and volatile oil.

These findings indicated that extracts from banana could be a promising natural source of bioactive compounds for the development of cosmetic products.

Citing a previous study, the researchers said that banana flower extracts contain proteins, alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids that are involved in the synthesis of AuNPs.

Green chemistry​

Raw bananas were obtained from a local company in Thailand. In preparation, the bananas were washed with distilled water and dried at 40°C in an oven.

After drying, 100 grams of the banana fruit powder was extracted in 400 millilitres of 95% ethanol over a period of seven days

The mixture of bananas and ethanol was collected, and the solvent was removed using a rotary evaporator, resulting in the crude fruit extract.

AuNPs were formed by reducing Gold(III) chloride (HAuCl4) using banana fruit extract.

According to the researchers, the synthesis process followed the principles of green chemistry, ensuring a safe and environmentally friendly approach.

Source: Biotechnology Journal​

Control Of Biomaterial-Associated Infections Through Biofabrication Of Gold Nanoparticles Using Musa Sapientum Extract​

Paosen et al​

10.1002/biot.202300008​