Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by Exiguobacterium profundum isolated from carpet industry effluent

Abstract

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using microorganisms has received profound interest because of their potential to synthesize nanoparticles of various size, shape and morphology. The main objective of the current study was to evaluate the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by a bacterial strain, Exiguobacterium profundum with potential dye degrading ability isolated from carpet industry effluent. The strain was tested for its ability to degrade various dyes including Methylene Blue, Malachite Green, Congo Red, Crystal Violet, Coomassie Brilliant Blue, Methyl Red, Sudan Black. Treatment of the bacteria with 1 mM AgNO3, showed its ability to form silver nanoparticles. This was confirmed by visual observation and UV–Vis absorption at 450 nm. Further characterization of nanoparticles by Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the size of silver nanoparticles in 20-40 nm range. Therefore, the present study is a demonstration of an efficient synthesis of stable silver nanoparticles using Exiguobacterium profundum which could be utilized in dye degradation thereby reducing the pollution from industrial effluents.