Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Saccharum officinarum leaf extract for antiviral paint

Abstract

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized via an eco-friendly approach using an extract from sugarcane leaves (Saccharum officinarum). The optimal synthesis conditions were determined to be a pH of 10, yielding AgNPs with an average size of 11.7 ± 2.8 nm. This was substantiated by UV-vis spectral analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and field emission transmission electron microscope coupling with selected area electron diffraction. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited notable antibacterial efficacy against two prominent pathogens, namely Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 20 and 2.5 ppm, respectively. Further extending the applications of AgNPs, they were successfully integrated into architectural paints at varying concentrations to create antiviral coatings. The addition of AgNPs influenced several properties of the paints, including viscosity, hiding power, and color characteristics. Notably, our findings revealed that the antiviral paint containing 80 ppm of AgNPs effectively hindered virus propagation, exhibiting a remarkable reduction of over 90% when compared to the control, measured by 50% tissue culture infectious dose.