Critical evaluation of silver nanoparticles synthesized at room temperature/microwave irradiation: A green approach

Biological routes of nanoparticle synthesis, especially the use of plant-based extracts, have shown great potential for the production of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Ag NPs synthesized in this way is a simple one-step method that is economical and environmentally friendly. With the increasing need to develop new and effective antibacterial agents, a novel and stable Ag NPs is synthesized using aqueous seed extract of Strychnos potatorum (SP). Ag NPs obtained at room temperature (S1) and under optimal microwave irradiation (S2) were compared in the present work. The as-synthesized Ag NPs are characterized by Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). UV-Vis spectra showed Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) peaks at 430 nm (S1) and 438 nm (S2) associated with the formation of Ag NPs. XRD patterns indicate the crystallinity of Ag NPs, with an average crystallite size of approximately 23 nm (S1) and 15 nm (S2). FT-IR study revealed potential biomolecules to form Ag NPs. FESEM and TEM analysis revealed the spherical shape of Ag NPs. An average particle size of approximately 31 nm (S1) and 19 nm (S2) was revealed from TEM analysis. To the best of our understanding, this study is novel as Ag NPs synthesized from SP using a microwave oven are described in detail for the first time. The study also demonstrated the potential of Ag NPs for antibacterial effect against Gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Vibrio vulnificus). Our findings show that at a specific concentration, small NPs are more efficient in inhibiting bacterial activity. This research indicates that Ag NPs synthesized from SP exhibit strong antibacterial activity for the treatment of bacterial infection.