Synthesis, Characterization and Antidiabetic Potential of Bee Pollen Based Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

Bee pollen is both an important food source and a part of apitherapy applications because of its chemical components such as carbohydrate, lipid, vitamins and phenolics. In this study, environmentally friendly, biocompatible bee pollen-based silver nanoparticles (BP-AgNPs) were synthesized by utilizing the potential reducing powers of the components contained in bee pollen. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. It was determined that silver nanoparticles gave maximum absorbance at 348 nm. It was observed that the particle sizes ranged between 40-60 nm on average. The inhibition effect of the obtained BP-AgNPs on α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes was investigated for the first time. IC50 values were determined as 2.56 ± 0.10 and 2.13 ± 0.11 mg/mL for α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, respectively. It was determined that obtained BP-AgNPs could be used as a support in the treatment of Diabetes mellitus. © 2022, TUBITAK. All rights reserved.