Abstract

Introduction: Mentha aquatica L. var. aquatica is a largely used herb with traditional medical properties. Phytochemicals of leaf extract act as reduction and stabilization during biosynthsizing SNPs. It’s the least exploration of biosynthesized SNPs from Mentha aquatica L. var. aquatica leaf extract and particle properties in bactericidal activity and wound healing. As a result, the current work aimed to optimize the biosynthesis procedure of SNPs from leaf extract and investigate the antimicrobial properties against S. aureus (Gram positive) and P. aeruginosa (Gram negative) and potential applications in the wound care technology.

Methods: SNPs synthesized using Mentha aquatica L. var. aquatica leaf extract and analyzed on AgNO₃ concentration, initial leaf extract and time reduction dependent series. SNPs were characterized through UV–vis absorption, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The functional groups of leaf extract and SNPs were investigated by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Further using well diffusion method and burn wound contraction were performed to investigate antibactericidal acitivity and wound healing effect in mices of SNPs.

Results: 5 mM of AgNO3, 40mg/ml leaf extract, and 1 hour of reaction time resulted in the optimum SNPs synthesis. The FTIR analysis demonstrated the involvement of phytochemicals in the synthesis of SNPs. SNPs had 67.05 nm of average size with spherical and irregular shape. SNPs inhibited P. aeruginosa ATCC 15442 and S. aureus ATCC 6538  The bactericidal effects of SNPs on P. aeruginosa ATCC 15442 were higher than those on S. aureus ATCC 6538. SNPs dressing had a beneficial effect on acceleration wound healing process without influence on body weight gaining in mices.

Conclusions: SNPs that biosynthesized from Mentha aquatica L. var. aquatica leaf extract exhibited the antibactericidal effect against inhibited P. aeruginosa ATCC 15442 and S. aureus ATCC 6538. The dressing containing 10% SNPs speeded up the wound healing on mices. SNPs could be used as a potential antibacterial agent added to wound healing process therapy.