Antibacterial effects of kaempferol-loaded silver nanoparticles (AgNP-K) against Streptococcus mutans and Escherichia coli

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted significant attention as therapeutic agents due to their broad-spectrum antibacterial properties. From the Aqli perspective, they can be synthesized through green methods utilizing plant-derived bioactive compounds, such as kaempferol. Kaempferol, a natural flavonoid, possesses well-documented antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. From the Naqli perspective, the exploration of natural products for healing purposes resonates with Quranic guidance that emphasizes the benefits of plants and the wisdom within creation as sources of cure. This study integrates both perspectives by evaluating the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles incorporated with kaempferol (AgNP-K) against Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Escherichia coli (EC). Antibacterial efficacy was determined through disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. The largest inhibition zones were observed at 1.25 mg/mL for SM (9.00 ± 0.06 mm) and 10 mg/mL for EC (7.17 ± 0.06 mm). The MIC and MBC values for both bacteria were 0.3125 mg/mL. AgNP-K exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity compared to AgNPs alone, suggesting a synergistic effect between silver and kaempferol. These findings demonstrate the potential of AgNP-K as an effective antimicrobial agent in combating biofilm-associated infections, while reflecting the harmony of Naqli and Aqli knowledge in advancing scientific discovery.