Synergistic Nano-Architectures: How Date Seed Phytochemicals and Cellulose Matrices Template Silver Nanoparticles for Multifunctional Therapy

This study reports the eco-friendly green synthesis of a multifunctional silver nanocomposite (DS-MC-Ag-nanocomposite) utilizing ethanolic extract of waste date seeds ( Phoenix dactylifera ) and methyl cellulose (MC) as dual reducing and stabilizing agents. Following optimization of reaction parameters (precursor concentrations, time, and temperature), the biogenic nanocomposite was characterized via UV-Vis, FTIR, TEM, SEM, EDX, XRD, and TGA. Biological evaluations demonstrated potent, wide-ranging therapeutic potential. The nanocomposite exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against six clinical pathogens, showing highest sensitivity against A. baumannii (MIC = 100 µg/mL; MBC = 125 µg/mL). Strong antioxidant capacity was confirmed via DPPH assay IC₅₀ of 30.6 µg/mL. Crucially, antidiabetic assays revealed significant inhibition of carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes, with IC₅₀ values of 112.4 µg/mL and 130.2 µg/mL against α-glucosidase and α-amylase, performing comparably to acarbose. Furthermore, neuroprotective evaluations demonstrated robust anti-Alzheimer potential, inhibiting acetylcholinesterase IC₅₀ of 189 µg/mL—closely matching donepezil (191.9 µg/mL), and showing anti-amyloidogenic activity against Aβ₁₋₄₂ fibrils (IC₅₀ = 221 µg/mL). Collectively, these findings validate the DS-MC-Ag-nanocomposite as a promising, biogenic, multifunctional nanotherapeutic platform synthesized via sustainable agricultural waste valorization for advanced biomedical applications.