Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Mirabilis jalapa Aqueous Extract and their Antibacterial Activity against Respective Microorganisms

Abstract

A simple and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of green nanoparticles (NP’s) using an aqueous extract of Mirabilis jalapa fresh leaves as bioreductant is reported. Objectives: The present investigation is to synthesize silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of plant Mirabilis jalapa and to evaluate its antibacterial activity using different bacterial species. Methods: The particles were preliminarily confirmed by the change in colour. The prepared green nanoparticles were well characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy and FTIR. The antibacterial activity of aqueous extract, silver nanoparticles and antibiotic control were carried by well diffusion method. Result: The change in colour from colorless to brownish color indicates the formation of silver nanoparticle. The UV –Vis spectroscopy peak at 440 nm confirms the silver nanoparticles in the suspension. The FTIR spectrum of both plant extract and AgNPs also reveals the reduction. The phytoconstituents which were responsible for reduction are conformed through preliminary phytochemical analysis. The potential application of biosynthesized nanoparticles as an antibacterial agent against selected pathogens were evaluated by well-diffusion method. Except E.coli all other organisms showed sensitivity towards 20µl and 10 µl of AgNPs, measured from the zone of inhibition. Similarly control and aqueous extract showed some activity towards the tested organisms. Conclusion: Thus the antibacterial findings provide strong evidence that the synthesized silver nanoparticles of Mirabilis jalapa were effective against human pathogens.