Abstract
This study investigates an efficient and sustainable route of preparing Ag nanoparticles (NPs) using 1–5 mmol/L aqueous silver nitrate with leaf extracts of five plants—<i>Musa balbisiana</i> (banana), <i>Azadiracta indica</i> (neem), <i>Ricinus communis</i> (castor-oil plant), <i>Tridax procumbens</i> (tridax), and <i>Cardiospermum halicacabum</i> (balloon vine) for their wide availability. These synthesized nanoparticles were characterized with the help of ultraviolet (UV)–visible (Vis) spectrophotometer. The peaks were observed in 418–493 nm. For <i>M. balbisiana</i>, <i>A. indica</i>, <i>R. communis</i>, and <i>C. halicacabum</i>, the average size of nanoparticles was in the range of 90–100 nm. For <i>T. procumbens</i>, it was 39–60 nm as determined by dynamic light scattering. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis showed the peak in silver region confirming presence of elemental silver. Field emission scanning electron microscopy showed that the particles were of a spherical shape in <i>M. balbisiana</i> sample with an average size of 33.87 nm as well as in <i>T. procumbents</i> sample with an average size of 28.512 nm. Ag NPs showed effective antibacterial and antifungal activity against representative pathogens of bacteria and fungi. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity of Ag NPs was found to be in the range of 8.9%–78.86%. H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> radical scavenging activity was recorded in the range of 6.036%–57.342%. The nanogel was prepared from synthesized Ag NPs, and its properties like viscosity and stability were evaluated. The results confirmed that this protocol is a simple, rapid, one-step, eco-friendly, nontoxic, and alternative conventional physical/chemical method.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
