Effect of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Azadirachta indica Leaves Extract on Sickle Erythrocyte Membrane Stability

Aim: To synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Azadirachta indica leaf extract and determine its effect on membrane stability.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Sokoto State University, Sokoto, Nigeria, between January 2021 and April 2021.

Methodology: Simple characterization using uv-vis spectroscopy was conducted and the well-known method for osmotic fragility was employed.

Results: Surface plasmon excitation for conversion of Ag+ to AgNPs was successfully achieved at 320 nm. The result revealed increase in membrane stability with 67.50 % for sickle erythrocyte (HbSS), 33.33 % for carrier erythrocyte (HbAS) and 23.33 % for normal erythrocyte (HbAA); thereby decreasing the erythrocyte lysis in the order of HbSS>HbAS>HbAA.

Conclusion: AgNPs synthesized from A. indica reduces osmotic fragility and hence increases membrane stabilizing potential particularly against sickle erythrocyte.