Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by aqueous extract of Dovyalis abyssinica fruit for antibacterial applications

Green biosynthesis technique was employed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Fresh citrus fruit of Dovyalis abyssinica (vernacular name Koshim) tree was extracted by distilled water to obtain phenolic natural compounds that have reducing capacity of metallic ions to the corresponding metallic nanoparticles, in this case, silver ion to silver nanoparticles. The appearance of the UV-Vis absorbance peak at 430 nm and the color change from pale yellow reaction mixture to reddish brown colored product solution have confirmed the formation of AgNPs. FTIR data has also shown the presence of organic components from the plant with the particles that may be used as capping agents to stabilize the formed particles and to control the size. The prepared nanoparticles and the plant extract have shown antibacterial property against E. coli and S. aureus, though the effect of the AgNPs was better than the plant extract. This study contributes for the development of environmentally friendly procedures in the preparation of nanoparticles for medicine, energy or environment.