Hybrid Handwash with Silver Nanoparticles from Calotropis gigantea Leaves and Patchouli Oil: Development and Properties

Abstract

When washing hands, handwashing is one way to prevent diseases caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, the most common bacteria that can cause infections. The production of handwash utilizing silver nanoparticles as an active antibacterial agent remains a relatively infrequent practice. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles from the leaves of Calotropis gigantea, which grows in the geothermal area of Ie Seu-um Aceh Besar, has been carried out using the green synthesis method and hybrid green synthesis with patchouli oil. Handwash with active ingredients such as silver nanoparticles was successfully formulated, evaluated, and tested against S. aureus and E. coli. The organoleptic characteristics, pH, viscosity, foam height measurements, density, irritation, and antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli were evaluated. The results showed that the organoleptic properties of the handwash with silver nanoparticles were not changed during a 30-day storage period, with pH values in the range of 9.7-10.3, and did not cause irritation upon using silver nanoparticle handwash. The best formula for handwashing with silver nanoparticles in inhibiting the growth of S. aureus and E. coli bacteria was F2, with inhibition zones of 12.9 ± 2.85 mm and 10.95 ± 0.8 mm, respectively. The formulated handwash with silver nanoparticles met the requirements of good liquid soap according to the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) with potent antibacterial activity.