An Innovative Approach Based on the Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Pomegranate Peel Extract for Antibacterial Purposes

Abstract

This study describes a green synthesis method for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using autochthonous “Mollar de Elche” pomegranate peel extract and optimized through a Python-programmed Box–Behnken design (BBD) created specifically for the work. The bioactive compounds in pomegranate, particularly punicalagin, serve as effective reducing and stabilizing agents. BBD was used to analyze the effects of dependent variables such as silver nitrate concentration, pomegranate extract concentration, and temperature on responses such as hydrodynamic diameter, polydispersity index, and zeta potential, minimizing experimental trials and highlighting variable interactions. Optimal conditions were experimentally validated and agreed well with the predicted values. The optimized AgNPs were characterized via ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. These AgNPs demonstrated substantial antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, the AgNPs were incorporated into nanofibrous scaffolds as a proof of concept for potential biomedical applications, where their antibacterial activity was partially retained postincorporation. This study highlights the potential of pomegranate extract as a sustainable medium for AgNP synthesis with promising antibacterial applications and the ability of the BBD as a useful tool for efficient optimization of multivariable processes, including the synthesis of nanomaterials.