Pinpointing cause-and-effect relationships between herbalism, good health and well-being: mechanistic investigation of bioactive functionalized dual nanocarrier systems for affordable phototherapeutics.

The rising mortality rate of neurodegenerative diseases has created an urgent need for the development of novel drugs. Advancing nanotechnology hinges on discovering innovative methods to create progressive drugs against neurodegenerative diseases. One innovative method includes green synthesis techniques which gain prominence as a sustainable and eco-friendly method for producing metal nanoparticles. The primary emphasis of this study lies in crafting a pioneering dual carrier system that employs both phytocompounds and silver nanoparticles. This innovative approach introduces three Functionalized Dual Carrier Systems (FDCS): F-CSAgNPs (Functionalized-celery seed silver nanoparticles), F-GSAgNPs (Functionalized-grape skin & seed silver nanoparticles) and F-SPAgNPs (Functionalized-sweet potato silver nanoparticles). The formulation of FDCS begins with the preparation of extracts and a precursor solution. A certain volume of extract combines with an equal or different volume of silver nitrate solution in an autoclave chamber. The synthesis is carried out using a hydrothermal technique. The resulting nanoparticle-suspended colloidal dispersions exhibit fluorescence. The formation of FDCS is verified through various characterization techniques. The particle size of FDCS ranges from 10 nm to 25 nm with a zeta potential varying from - 35 mV to + 35 mV. The Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) values at 350 nm, 305 nm and 310 nm confirm the presence of FDCS with a blue shift. Identification of functional groups such as C= O, N-H and C =C confirms the presence of specific phytocompounds. F-SPAgNPs exhibit a highly crystalline structure as observed in the SAED pattern distinguishing them from F-CSAgNPs and F-GSAgNPs. The average size (d) of these FDCS ranges from 4 nm to 11 nm. FDCS shows resistance to both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria along with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. For this research, Danio rerio (zebrafish) embryos serve as an in vivo model to analyze the toxicity profile of FDCS. Furthermore, to assess its biocompatibility and environmental sustainability, the FDCS is evaluated for its effect on seed germination and seedling growth using mung bean (Vigna radiata). This evaluation underscores the potential of FDCS to act as a bio-inducer, promoting plant growth in green applications. Additionally, computational studies play a pivotal role in drug development by predicting Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) properties. Tools such as SWISS ADME and STRING analyze the ADMET properties of the phytocompounds and enhance the understanding of their pharmacokinetic behavior. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-025-01647-6.