Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Salacia Chinensis Root and Ammania Baccifera Leaf Extracts and Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial Activity.

Abstract

Extracting AgNPs (silver nanoparticles) from plant materials through green methods is less harmful for the environment compared to using chemicals. In this study silver nanoparticles were produced using the roots Salacia chinensis and the leaves of Ammania baccifera and performed the green synthesis using these two plant materials. The synthesis was monitored for colour development which was confirmed using UV-visible spectroscopy. Further analysis through FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and TEM confirmed the presence of crystalline, spherical nanoparticles of sizes ranging from 10 to 33 nm. The AgNPs exhibited strong antibacterial and antifungal activities; notable antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhi were observed through standard well-diffusion and MIC/MBC tests. This approach to synthesis is not only inexpensive, but is easily scalable and favourable in temperature, avoiding high temperatures and toxic chemicals, supporting its use for medicinal and industrial purposes. As highlighted in this study, the plant mediated AgNPs demonstrated great potency against infection.