Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Pterocarpus santalinus Leaf Broth and Their Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities

Abstract

In this study, metallic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are synthesized through a simplistic, single-step method, which is a green and eco-friendly process, as it includes medicinal plant aqueous leaf extracts of Pterocarpus santalinus L. The formation of AgNPs in the filtrate is evaluated by its brown color and the peak appearance at 420 nm in the UV spectrophotometer. Peak formation in FTIR spectrum is an indication of the presence of functional groups and their role in the formation of nanoparticles from the aqueous leaf extract. Zeta potential studies are performed for determining the surface potential of AgNPs. The nanoparticles size (5-15 nm) and shape (spherical) are confirmed by transmission electron microscope. The AgNPs show good bactericidal and antioxidant activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The results suggest that the AgNPs can be used as antimicrobial agents in current nanomedicine, and also to improve the antibacterial performance of their polymer composites.