Antibacterial activity of phyto-mediated silver nanoparticles developed from Melia azedarach

BACKGROUNDː Nanoparticles formed by plant extracts present a good alternative of existing antibiotics to compete with the resistant strains of bacteria. Antioxidants present in plants synthesize the nanoparticles from metal salt and also cap them. METHODSː In the present study, Melia azedarach fresh leaves were extracted with water. These extracts were reduced by adding silver nitrate (AgNO 3 ) solution separately. Plant extract in different concentration was used to develop nanoparticles with constant strength of salt solution. Color change of extracts represented the development of silver nanoparticles due to reduction of silver ions to form silver nanoparticles. Absorbance of reaction mixtures were determined by UV Vis spectrophotometry. Further antimicrobial activity of these nanoparticles was tested against Borditella pertussis and Xanthomonas axonopodis by agar well diffusion method. RESULTSː Maximum absorbance was noticed between 400-500 nm. EDX analysis proved the presence of silver ions and SEM analysis showed size and shape of nanoparticles (105 nm). Silver nanoparticles developed from water extract of M. azedarach exhibited maximum inhibition zones (25.4±0.36) and (47.2±0.25) against Borditella pertussis and Xanthomonas axonopodis respectively. CONCLUSIONSː The conclusion was established that silver nanoparticles from M. azedarach revealed enhanced antibacterial activity with comparison to pure plant extract and silver nitrate solution and can be used in different antibacterial products.