Abstract

The demand for smaller nanomaterials with biocompatible properties has become increasingly imperative in the quest to combat microbial infections and cancer. This requires modifying the chemical process. In this investigation, polyvinylpyrrolidone–silver chloride (PVP–AgCl) nanomaterials (NMs) were developed via a sonochemical method involving Ag+ sourced from AgNO3 metal precursor and Cl− from NaCl, with the assistance of the capping agent PVP. Synthesized NMs were characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM/EDS, DLS and TEM. The SEM analysis indicated spindle-like structures with star-shaped formations at the edges, whereas TEM showed a size of ∼24 ± 3 nm. Furthermore, the PVP–AgCl NMs exhibited a zeta potential of approximately −18.34 mV, with an average hydrodynamic diameter of 127.7 ± 1.287 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.1879. The anticancer activity of PVP–AgCl NMs were tested against cervical cancer cells (HeLa). In addition, toxicity studies using fibroblast cell (L929) revealed that the PVP–AgCl NMs demonstrate significant anticancer activity while showing minimal toxicity toward L929 cells. The antimicrobial activity of PVP–AgCl NMs was tested against S. aureus and E. coli strains. The prepared NMs exhibit potential antimicrobial properties. These findings suggest that the prepared PVP–AgCl NMs are used for potential biomedicine and antimicrobial coatings applications. © 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.