Exploring Kinnow mandarin's hidden potential: Nature's key to antimicrobial and antidiabetic gold nanoparticles (K-AuNPs)

Abstract

This pioneering study aims to address the paradox of the highly regarded <i>Kinnow mandarin</i> fruit, whose valuable peels have been considered undesired remnants from industrial fruit juice production. The study proposes the utilization of these discarded peels to synthesize ecologically safe gold nanoparticles (K-AuNPs) through a one-pot method. The objectives of this research are to synthesize K-AuNPs using an ecologically safe single-step approach, utilizing discarded <i>Kinnow mandarin</i> fruit peels, and to assess their antibacterial and antidiabetic potential. The validation of K-AuNPs involved various techniques including UV-visible spectroscopy, TEM, DLS, and zeta-potential investigations. The antibacterial activity against <i>Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,</i> and <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> was compared to levofloxacin and <i>Kinnow mandarin</i> aqueous peel extract (KAPE). Furthermore, the anti-diabetic efficacy was evaluated through α-amylase and α-glucosidase experiments, comparing K-AuNPs to pure KAPE and the standard inhibitor acarbose. The results confirmed the successful synthesis of K-AuNPs from KAPE, as evidenced by UV-spectral profiles (527 nm), TEM micrographs (∼21 d. nm), dynamic light scattering (65 d.nm), and zeta-potential (-12 mV). The K-AuNPs demonstrated a superior zone of inhibition and lower MIC values against <i>Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,</i> and <i>Bacillus subtilis</i>, surpassing levofloxacin and KAPE alone. Additionally, the K-AuNPs exhibited potent anti-diabetic efficacy, outperforming both pure KAPE and acarbose at a lower dosage. To sum up, the process of producing K-AuNPs utilizing <i>Kinnow mandarin</i> peel extracts demonstrates a powerful antibacterial and antidiabetic remedy sourced from previously discarded materials. These findings signify a significant leap forward in the domain of natural product exploration, with the potential to fundamentally reshape modern healthcare approaches.