Tetragonisca angustula propolis-assisted synthesis of functionalized silver nanoparticles

This study investigated the green synthesis and surface functionalization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the ethanolic extract of Jataí propolis (Tetragonisca angustula), a native Brazilian stingless bee. Propolis was extracted via the Soxhlet method and incorporated into two nanoparticle systems: AgNP-JPE1 and AgNP-JPE10. Characterization through UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed AgNP formation with a surface plasmon resonance band at 418 nm, while chemical screening identified flavonoids, tannins, and saponins as key stabilizing and functionalizing agents.

Morphological analysis via TEM revealed that propolis concentration dictates particle shape and size; AgNP-JPE1 yielded spherical nanoparticles (6–20 nm), whereas AgNP-JPE10 produced larger (~100 nm), more homogeneous polygonal and hexagonal-like structures. Electron diffraction (SAED) confirmed that the metallic silver possessed a face-centered cubic crystalline structure. The results demonstrate that Jataí propolis is a highly functional natural matrix for the sustainable development and modification of silver-based nanomaterials.