Evaluation of Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Seed Germination Potential of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Bark Extract of Ailanthus excelsa Roxb.

Abstract

Nanotechnology, an emerging scientific domain promises potential applications in varied sectors. Currently, research in nanotechnology focuses on the optimization of nanoparticle synthesis. Green synthesis of nanoparticles is an economic and non-toxic alternative to conventional methods. In the present study, aqueous bark extract of Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. was used for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). UV-Visible Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of AgNPs with an absorption Surface Plasmon peak at 450nm. Biosynthesized AgNPs and bark extract were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for determining the functional groups in phytochemicals that act as reducing and capping agents in the synthesis process. High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) analysis denotes that AgNPs were predominantly spherical, with an average size of 18.84 ± 2.28nm. The bark extract was evaluated qualitatively by preliminary phytochemical screening. Antioxidant potential of biosynthesized AgNPs and bark extract were analyzed using the DPPH method in which biosynthesized AgNPs showed significant free radical scavenging potential. Antibacterial properties of biosynthesized AgNPs were analysed against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Biosynthesized AgNPs and bark extract were also checked for Germination Percentage, Germination Speed Index and Seedling Vigor Index on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Moong (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) seeds. The present study infers that Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. act as a potential source of green synthesis of AgNPs and may help to build a resilient system for its commercial applications in various fields.