Abstract
Green synthesis is one of the rapid and best ways for silver nanoparticles (AgNP) synthesis. In the present study, synthesis and bioactivity of AgNPs has been demonstrated using water beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) bark extract. The physical and chemical factors such as time, metal ion solution, and pH, which play a vital role in the AgNPs synthesis, were assessed. The AgNPs were characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the obtained AgNPs was evaluated. AgNPs were characterized by color change pattern, and the broad peak obtained at 420–475 nm with UV-Vis confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs. FT-IR results confirmed that phenols and proteins of beech bark extract are mainly responsible for capping and stabilization of synthesized AgNPs. TEM micrographs showed spherical or rarely polygonal and triangular particles with an average size of 32 nm at pH = 9, and 62 nm at pH = 4. Furthermore, synthesized AgNPs were found to exhibit antioxidant activity and have antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These results indicate that bark extract of F. sylvatica L. is suitable for synthesizing stable AgNPs, which act as an excellent antimicrobial agent.
Highlights
Nanotechnology focuses on synthesis and characterization of metallic and non-metallic nanoparticles having different compositions, sizes, and shapes
The aqueous extract was characterized in terms of total phenolic content (TPC), which is considered responsible for silver ion reduction and AgNP synthesis
It was found that the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles is time and pH dependent
Summary
Nanotechnology focuses on synthesis and characterization of metallic and non-metallic nanoparticles having different compositions, sizes, and shapes. Molecular aggregates with dimensions between 1 and 100 nm are called nanoparticles [1]. Due to their optical, magnetic, chemical, and mechanical properties, nanoparticles are used in many areas of advanced technology such as the electronic and optoelectronic industry; in the medical sector for diagnostics, antimicrobial properties, and transport of the drug to a specified location in order to fulfill its purpose; and for environmental protection and energy conversion [2]. The biosynthesis of nanomaterials becomes a large scientific area, because nanoparticles have a low obtaining cost and a wide range of uses: catalytic, biological and biomedical applications, physics, environmental remediation fields [3]. From all the types of nanoparticles, silver ones are the most commonly used. Silver is known to be a good antimicrobial being used as an antiseptic agent [4]
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