Microjet Shockwave Mediated 2D Silicene Decorated With Biogenically Reduced 0D Ag–Au Nanoparticles Achieves Potent Antimicrobial and Tumoricidal Effects

ABSTRACT

The synthesized 0D Ag/Au bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) decorated on a 2D silicene (Ag/Au NPs‐Si) nanosheet were constructed with a microjet shockwave approach to improve biofunctional performance. The Ag/Au NPs were biogenically reduced using Nyctanthes arbor‐tristis ethanolic extract. The XRD confirmed the cubic crystal structure of the material, and UV–visible spectroscopy revealed a broadened and shift confirming strong electronic coupling between the NPs and the silicene. The functional groups present in the material were identified using FTIR spectroscopy, and the elemental composition via XPS analysis. The nanosheets and spherical‐shaped NPs were confirmed using FE‐SEM and TEM with an average size of 10 nm. The antibacterial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus Gram (+ve) and Escherichia coli Gram (−ve) bacteria as well as two fungal strains ( C. albicans and C. tropicalis ). The antiproliferative effect of Ag/Au NPs‐Si nanocomposite at an IC ₅₀ value of 19.66 µg/mL was tested against MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells and L929 normal human fibroblast cells using the MTT method. ROS generated by the combination of Ag/Au causes oxidative stress, triggering apoptosis in cancer cells. AO/EB and DAPI studies proved proliferation inhibition induced by apoptosis. This finding shows the Ag/Au NPs‐Si nanocomposite as a potential multifunctional platform for antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer applications.