Microwave-assisted biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles for potential antibacterial activity

The present study demonstrates the creation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in an environmentally benign manner from Cymbopogon citratus leaves extracts by employing microwave-assisted synthesis at a low power of 400 W for a short period of 180 s. The produced Ag NPs are thoroughly characterized using methods like X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). These Ag NPs form clusters and have unique plate-like shapes with average particle size of ~ 165 nm. To evaluate their antibacterial activity, the produced Ag NPs are tested against both gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (E. Coli, S. typhi, and Pseudomonas) at varied concentrations (1–5 mg/L). The results show strong antibacterial activity, against both gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (E. Coli, S. typhi, and Pseudomonas); and show the largest zone of inhibition diameters at 23 mm (~ 3 mg/L) and 26 mm (~ 5 mg/L) for S. aureus and Pseudomonas, respectively. The ecological potential of Cymbopogon citratus extracts as sources for the environmentally friendly synthesis of Ag NPs is highlighted in this work and the produced Ag NPs are a viable option for antibacterial treatments against pathogenic microbes.