Synthesis and Characterization of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Using Vernonia anthelmintica Extract and Their Biological Activities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63623/yc5vfe05Keywords:
Green synthesis, Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), Vernonia anthelmintica, Nanobiotechnology, Antimicrobial activityAbstract
The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using biological methods has gained increasing attention due to their broad range of applications. In this study, AgNPs were synthesized via a simple and eco-friendly approach using Vernonia anthelmintica stem and leaf extract as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized through UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). UV-Vis analysis revealed a distinct surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 413 nm, confirming the formation of AgNPs. XRD results indicated a crystalline structure with an average crystallite size of approximately 49 nm, while SEM analysis revealed an average particle size of around 21 nm, suggesting polydispersity. EDX spectra confirmed the presence of elemental silver, and FTIR analysis identified functional groups such as alkenes, dicarboxylic amino acids, and sulfonyl chlorides, indicating their role in the reduction and stabilization of the nanoparticles. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited notable antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Citrobacter (Gram-negative), with inhibition zones of 20 mm and 18 mm, respectively. In contrast, the plant extract alone showed no antibacterial effect. The AgNPs also demonstrated antifungal activity against Echromonium, Penicillium, and Pythium, whereas the crude extract was inactive against these fungi. Additionally, antioxidant activity, assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, showed significant radical scavenging potential by the extract.
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