Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles from <I>Ashyranthus aspera</I> Extract for Antimicrobial Activity Studies

Abstract

Development of biologically inspired experimental processes for the synthesis of nanoparticles is evolving into an important branch of  nanotechnology. Plant-mediated synthesis of nanomaterials has been increasingly gaining popularity due to its eco-friendly nature and cost-effectiveness. In the present study, we were synthesized silver (Ag) nanoparticles using aqueous extracts of fresh leaves of Ashyranthus aspera medicinal plants as bio-reducing agents. UV-Vis spectrometer used to monitor the reduction of Ag ions and the formation of AgNPs in the medium. UV-Vis spectra and visual observation showed that the color of the fresh leaf extracts of Ashyranthus aspera turned into grayish-brown respectively, after treatment with Ag precursors. XRD and SEM have been used to investigate the morphology of prepared AgNPs. The peaks in the XRD pattern are associated with that of the Face-Centered-Cubic (FCC) form of metallic silver. TGA/DTA results associated with weight loss and exothermic reaction due to the desorption of chemisorbed water. FTIR was performed to identify the functional groups which form a layer covering AgNPs and stabilize the AgNPs in the medium. Moreover, silver nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extracts of Ashyranthus aspera were separately tested for their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Enterobacter). The results showed that the bacterial growth was inhibited by the extracts containing AgNPs Nanoparticles. The biosynthesized nanoparticle was prepared from Ashyranthus aspera leaf extracts exhibits potential applications as broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents

Keywords: Ashyranthus aspera, Silver Nanoparticles, Plant extracts, Bacteria, Antibacterial activity.