Potential of antimicrobial topical gel with synthesized biogenic silver nanoparticle using Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaf extract and silk sericin.

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles synthesized using Rhodomyrtus tomentosaleafextract and silk sericin were used to functionalize carbopol 940 gel for topical applications. UV-vis spectra presented surface plasmon resonance at 426nm, transmission electron microscopy revealed that nanoparticles were spherical with an average size of 25-50nm. X-ray diffraction presented crystalline silver nanoparticles with zeta potential of ≈ -30mV. FTIR spectra showed a reduction of silver nitrate indicated by the shift in -OH at 2958cm-1. The silver nanoparticle demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative and fungi with MIC ranging between 0.26 and 2.10μgmL-1, respectively. MIC of hydrogel ranged between 1.05-2.10μgmL-1 with cell viability of 89%. Spreadability and extrudability of gel were 9.3 ± 0.85s and 19.85 ± 0.03%, respectively with first order of fickian diffusion. The silver nanoparticle gel exhibited an effective antimicrobial property, hence can be exploited for topical applications.