Exploring the novel paper wasp (Parapolybia escalerae) honey for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles with antibacterial properties.

The development of green-based nanomaterials as antimicrobial agents offers a sustainable and safe alternative to conventional antibiotics, aligning with both environmental and public health priorities. The paper wasp (Parapolybia escalerae) is a novel species known for its unique honey, which has not been previously explored for its potential in green nanotechnology and biomedical applications. In this study, paper wasp honey was used to prepare silver nanoparticles (H-Ag NPs), which serves a dual role as both the reducing and stabilizing agent. The structural, morphological, and optical characteristics of the biosynthesized nanoparticles were assessed using UV-Vis double beam spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the antibacterial potential of the synthesized H-Ag NPs was evaluated against gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Staphylococcus aureus MRSA, and multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii by determining their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) using the broth microdilution method. Notably, MIC and MBC of this nanoparticle against S. aureus (ATCC 6538) and S. aureus MRSA strains were found to be 17.5 µg/mL. Additionally, at lesser doses (8.5 µg/mL), these nanoparticles can inhibit the growth of the Gram-negative bacteria A. baumannii. The novel feature of this method lies in its environmentally friendly and sustainable approach, as it avoids the use of hazardous chemicals typically employed in conventional synthesis methods.