Evaluation of Properties and Bioactivity of Silver (Ag) Nanoparticles (NPs) Fabricated Using Nixtamalization Wastewater (Nejayote)

Alejandra Ortiz- De Lira, J. A. Lozano-Álvarez, N. A. Chávez-Vela, C. E. Escárcega-González, Enrique D. Barriga-Castro, Hilda E. Reynel-Ávila and Iliana E. Medina-Ramírez ()
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Alejandra Ortiz- De Lira: Department of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes 20130, AGS, Mexico
J. A. Lozano-Álvarez: Department of Biochemical Engineering, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes 20130, AGS, Mexico
N. A. Chávez-Vela: Department of Biochemical Engineering, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes 20130, AGS, Mexico
C. E. Escárcega-González: Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Universidad s/n, Cd. Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza 66455, NL, Mexico
Enrique D. Barriga-Castro: Centro de Investigación en Química Aplicada, Blv. Enrique Reyna Hermosillo No. 140, Saltillo 25294, CU, Mexico
Hilda E. Reynel-Ávila: Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes 20256, AGS, Mexico
Iliana E. Medina-Ramírez: Department of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes 20130, AGS, Mexico

Clean Technol., 2025, vol. 7, issue 3, 1-25

Abstract: Nejayote (Nej), an effluent from nixtamalization process, has an alkaline pH and contains a high load of organic matter in suspension and dissolution, which makes it a highly polluting waste when discharged directly into the environment. However, the sustainable reuse of this effluent is relevant since it contains high-value compounds (ferulic acid (FA)) with appropriate activity for the ecological synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This study explores the synthesis of AgNPs using Nej as a reducing and stabilizing agent and evaluates the antibacterial effectiveness of AgNPs against Escherichia coli (E. coli) . The AgNPs under study possess excellent optical (UV-Vis) and structural properties (XRD). HR-TEM images show predominantly spherical particles, with an average size of 20 nm. FTIR spectroscopy identified functional groups, including phenols and flavonoids, on the nanoparticle surface, acting as stabilizing agents. HPLC supports the existence of FA in the AgNPs. Biogenic AgNPs exhibit enhanced antibacterial activity due to the adsorption of these functional groups onto their surface, which contributes to bacterial membrane disruption. Finally, no hemolytic or cytotoxic activity was observed, suggesting that the AgNPs exert antimicrobial activity without potentially harmful doses (biocompatibility). The study highlights the potential of Nej as a sustainable source for use in nanoparticle synthesis, promoting the recycling of agro-industrial waste and the production of materials with technological applications.

Keywords: nejayote; biogenic; antibacterial activity; ferulic acid; silver nanoparticles (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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