Exploring the antibacterial effects of Ocimum sanctum (O. sanctum) silver nanoparticles

Abstract

The current study was undertaken to provide sustainable solutions to Erythromycin-resistant bacterial strains. Silver nanoparticles were produced using an environmentally friendly green synthesis process using Ocimum sanctum leaf extract. The synthesized Ocimum sanctum leaf extract silver nanoparticles were then examined using a variety of methods. In the UV-Vis spectrophotometer, the peak was observed at 398nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the size of the nanoparticles to be between 24-44nm. The crystalline size of AgNPs was determined to be 12.02nm by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed the presence of functional groups like alcohols, phenols and carbonyl groups which provide better interaction and stability of the nanoparticles. Bioactive compounds of Ocimum sanctum leaves were found to be effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains as nanoparticles which is evident by having no inhibition against Bacillus Subtilis and E. coli in lower concentrations of 30μl and 50μl. On the other hand, Ocimum sanctum leaf extract AgNPs had a positive dose-dependent inhibition against all the strains. The Ocimum sanctum silver nanoparticles were effective against E. coli (Gram-negative), Staphylococcus aureus (1.9cm), Streptococcus mutans (1.7cm) and Bacillus Subtilis (Gram-positive). Thus, Ocimum sanctum Silver Nanoparticle-based drug delivery has proven to be an effective anti-bacterial treatment worth exploring specifically against Erythromycin-resistant strains.