Spectroscopic investigation on catalytic and bactericidal properties of biogenic silver nanoparticles synthesized using Soymida febrifuga aqueous stem bark extract

Abstract

Rapid growth in the novel applications of metal nanoparticles and nanomaterials are due to their modified properties based on size, their distribution and surface morphology. In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were biosynthesized by a facile, cost-effective, non-pathogenic and eco-friendly route from aqueous stem bark extract of Soymida febrifuga. The silver ions when treated with aqueous stem bark extract of Soymida febrifuga underwent rapid reduction as evident from the colour change to dark brown colour indicating the formation of AgNPs. They were characterized using techniques viz., UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), Nanoparticle Analyzer, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDAX) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). The AgNPs were tested for antimicrobial and catalytic activities. The UV–vis spectra of synthesized AgNPs revealed a Surface Plasmon Resonance band at 416nm. The AgNPs were with an average size of 10–30nm and were mostly spherical in shape. The AgNPs exhibited effective antibacterial activity against two gram positive and two gram negative bacterial strains. They have also exhibited effective catalytic activity in degradation of organic dyes acting as potent environmental pollutants such as Methylene blue, Rhodamine B and Eosin Y dyes. The method can be extensively applied in industrial effluent treatment and therapeutic treatments in near future.